On July 13, 2025, Senators Richard Blumenthal from Connecticut and Lindsey Graham from South Carolina appeared on CBS’s ‘Face the Nation’ with Margaret Brennan to discuss pressing geopolitical challenges and domestic matters, notably the ongoing war in Ukraine and the response from the United States government.
The interview kicked off with a focus on the situation in Ukraine, where Russia continues to escalate its military aggression. Senator Graham shared insights from his recent trip to Europe, where he and Senator Blumenthal met with Ukrainian President Zelensky. He noted that NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is scheduled to meet with President Trump later that week, with expectations of fresh U.S. funding for Ukraine, marking a notable shift in approach since Trump took office.
Graham indicated that a pivotal moment is on the horizon regarding the U.S. strategy towards Russia and Ukraine. He stated, “For months, President Trump has tried to entice Putin to the peace table… that door is about to close.” He emphasized that bipartisan legislation exists in the Senate, backed by 85 co-sponsors, designed to impose severe financial sanctions on Russia and its supporting nations, particularly China, India, and Brazil. “This is truly a sledgehammer available to President Trump to end this war,” Graham remarked.
Senator Blumenthal followed up on Graham’s comments, stressing the urgency and necessity of these sanctions. He acknowledged concerns raised by fellow Democrats but reiterated the critical moment they are facing. He asserted that harsh sanctions are essential to alter Russia’s behavior, underscoring a unified stance from European allies during their recent discussions.
Brennan pivoted to the topic of how the sanctions might actually be implemented, specifically regarding seized Russian assets. Blumenthal mentioned the significant funds that have been seized from Russia, which he believes should be utilized to support Ukraine in its fight against the ongoing invasion. He indicated hope that both U.S. and European leaders would find a way to access these assets to bolster Ukraine’s resources.
The conversation then shifted to military support for Ukraine, as Graham acknowledged recent defense assessments indicating that Ukraine’s artillery and drone shortages could lead to significant territorial losses to Russia. Graham reassured viewers that a plan is underway to enhance U.S. weapons sales to European allies, thereby indirectly supporting Ukraine, and he hinted at forthcoming announcements regarding increased U.S. military aid.
As the interview progressed, Brennan raised the issue of North Korea’s involvement in Russia’s military efforts. Blumenthal noted that North Korea sending troops to fight for Russia presents another layer of risk, particularly in terms of nuclear proliferation. He emphasized the importance of a robust multinational approach to address this emerging threat, reinforcing the need for U.S. strength in coordination with allies.
Graham also touched upon the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. He expressed commitment to advocating for the Afghan allies left behind and reassured viewers that there is no intention to deport those who assisted U.S. efforts in Afghanistan back to Taliban control. He acknowledged ongoing concerns regarding the effectiveness of personnel cuts within the State Department.
On a domestic front, the Senators faced questions about the recent firings at the Department of Justice. Blumenthal condemned the politicization of the DOJ under current leadership, citing concerning trends of dismissing career professionals involved in high-stakes investigations. He called for bipartisan oversight to ensure accountability and proper investigation into these firings. Graham defended the actions taken by Attorney General Pam Bondi and remarked on the need to rectify past grievances in the department.
As the interview concluded, the discussion highlighted both the bipartisan nature of U.S. support for Ukraine and the complexities of domestic governance amid a politically charged climate. Both Senators left the audience with a sense of urgency regarding the need for cohesive policies to address foreign and domestic challenges in the coming days.
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