Lindsey Graham slams NBC host, says he wasn't 'bothered one damn bit' by Letitia James' indictment

WASHINGTON, DC: Sen Lindsey Graham didn’t mince words during a heated back-and-forth with 'Meet the Press' NBC host Kristen Welker on Sunday, October 12.

The South Carolina senator brushed off concerns about the indictments of New York Attorney General Letitia James and former FBI Director James Comey, saying it didn’t bother him “one damn bit.”

When Welker pressed him hard on whether President Donald Trump had pushed for the prosecutions, Graham stood his ground.

Lindsey Graham fires back at Kristen Welker over Letitia James indictment

The exchange between Lindsey Graham and NBC host Kristen Welker quickly turned tense as the two clashed over the recent indictments. Welker pressed Graham repeatedly, asking if it was “appropriate for the president to direct his attorney general to indict whoever he says.”

She followed up, saying, “I’m asking about right now and this sitting president’s actions right now,” pointing out that both James and Comey claim they’re innocent of the charges.

The New York AG has been indicted on federal bank fraud charges over a property she purchased in Virginia. Comey was guilty of two charges of making false statements to lawmakers and obstructing a congressional proceeding.

Welker went further, citing a Truth Social post from Trump, where he urged Attorney General Pam Bondi to prosecute James, Comey, and Democratic Senator Adam Schiff, a post that was reportedly meant to remain private.

She pushed Graham on whether Trump’s request “crosses a line between the Justice Department being independent from the executive branch.” Graham didn’t back down. “Good. They will have the chance to prove it,” he shot back, referring to James and Comey’s claims of innocence.

As Welker kept pressing, Graham’s tone hardened. “You didn’t care that Letitia James made up charges that no one’s ever faced! That Alvin Bragg made up charges no one ever faced!" he said, visibly frustrated. Wrapping up his point, Graham added firmly, “This may bother you that people are being held accountable. It doesn’t bother me one damn bit.”

Letitia James and James Comey's indictments

Letitia James was indicted by a federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Virginia on October 9. According to the Department of Justice (DOJ), James faces two federal charges: Bank Fraud under 18 USC Section 1344 and False Statements to a Financial Institution under 18 USC Section 1014.

The case centers on a property James owns in Norfolk, Virginia, known as “the Perrone Property.” Prosecutors allege she was supposed to use it as a secondary residence, but instead rented it out and listed it as an investment property on her tax filings.

The DOJ claims James misrepresented the home’s use to obtain more favorable mortgage terms. She has pushed back strongly against the accusations, calling them “political retribution.”

Comey was indicted on September 25 on two counts: making false statements within the jurisdiction of the legislative branch and obstruction of a congressional proceeding. The former FBI director posted a short video statement denying any wrongdoing, saying, "I am not afraid."

He further stated, "My family and I have known for years that there are costs to standing up to Donald Trump."

"We will not live on our knees, and you shouldn't either," he added. "And, I am innocent. So, let's have a trial." 

During his arraignment on October 8, Comey pleaded not guilty to the charges. His trial is scheduled to begin on January 5, 2026.