Lindsey Graham "told Trump that he had to say there would be a 'peaceful transition."

[swag]

https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2021/01/facing-legal-and-political-peril-trump-is-turning-on-even-his-most-devoted-allies

BY GABRIEL SHERMAN
JANUARY 8, 2021

Twenty-four hours after inciting a deadly riot on Capitol Hill, Donald Trump appeared to finally grasp the political peril and legal jeopardy sure to consume the waning days of his presidency and perhaps beyond. According to Republicans close to the White House, Trump posted the two-and-a-half-minute video Thursday night––during which he grudgingly acknowledged Joe Biden’s win for the first time––as an attempt to stave off prosecution or being removed from office via impeachment or the 25th Amendment. “He knows how bad things got. He knew he fucked up,” a 2020 campaign adviser told me. “This was the political Charlottesville,” a former West Wing official said.

According to one Republican briefed on internal conversations, Trump was swayed in part by Senator Lindsey Graham. The source said Graham called Trump yesterday and explained that there were enough Republican votes in the Senate to remove Trump from office unless he conceded the election and diffused tensions. “He told Trump that he had to say there would be a ‘peaceful transition.’ Those were the key words,” the Republican said. (In the video Trump said: “My focus now turns to ensuring a smooth, orderly, and seamless transition of power.”)

Graham did not respond to requests for comment. The White House did not respond for comment.

Trump’s fear of legal exposure is also being driven by his conversations with White House counsel Pat Cipollone. A source close to the West Wing told me Cipollone warned staff on Wednesday that they could be at risk if they helped Trump fuel the riot. “The warning he gave triggered resignations,” the source said. On Friday morning CNN reported that Cipollone is considering resigning.

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[Fiendish Thingy]

1. and yet he never used the word "peaceful", only "smooth". nt

[LizBeth]

2. I bet the last sentence was not part of the speech and was trumps defiance.

But I also want you to know that our incredible journey is only just beginning.”

[Butterflylady]

3. He knew he f**ked up. What about the last 4 years?

He's been f**king up since 2016 and now he knows. I don't buy it.

[PJMcK]

4. He's been fucking up his entire life

Just sayin'.

[hibbing]

5. Big time editing

I am wondering if they just edited out a lot of his usual BULLSHIT.

Peace