Kevin McCarthy and Tim Scott distance themselves from Trump's 'lynching' comparison. Lindsey Graham backs it.


President Trump is earning pushback from some Republicans for comparing the House of Representatives' impeachment inquiry to a "lynching," but not from Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.).
Trump declared the inquiry a "lynching" in a tweet Tuesday morning, with this inflammatory comparison instantly drawing condemnation from Democrats, with Rep. Bobby Rush (D-Ill.), member of the Congressional Black Caucus, tweeting, "Do you know how many people who look like me have been lynched, since the inception of this country, by people who look like you."
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) isn't supporting Trump's comparison, in a news conference Tuesday saying it's "not the language I would use" and making clear that "I don't agree" with it. Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) similarly said Tuesday that while he agrees with Trump's complaints about the inquiry, "I wouldn't use the word lynching," per NBC News' Frank Thorp.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Scott's South Carolina colleague Graham, however, came to Trump's defense and took no issue with the comparison. "This is a lynching in every sense," Graham told reporters.
Asked about the comparison Tuesday, White House Deputy Press Secretary Hogan Gidley claimed Trump "wasn't trying to compare himself to the horrific history in this country at all." Brendan Morrow
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.
-
Full-body scans: more panic than panacea?
The Explainer Hailed as the 'future of medicine' by some, but not all experts are convinced
By The Week UK
-
The Last of Us, series two: 'post-apocalyptic television at its peak'
The Week Recommends Second instalment of hit show is just as 'gutsy' and 'thoughtful' as the first
By Irenie Forshaw, The Week UK
-
Everything you need to know about your P45
The Explainer The document from HMRC is vital when moving jobs
By Marc Shoffman, The Week UK
-
New Mexico to investigate death of Gene Hackman, wife
speed read The Oscar-winning actor and his wife Betsy Arakawa were found dead in their home with no signs of foul play
By Peter Weber, The Week US
-
Giant schnauzer wins top prize at Westminster show
Speed Read Monty won best in show at the 149th Westminster Kennel Club dog show
By Peter Weber, The Week US
-
Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar take top Grammys
Speed Read Beyoncé took home album of the year for 'Cowboy Carter' and Kendrick Lamar's diss track 'Not Like Us' won five awards
By Peter Weber, The Week US
-
The Louvre is giving 'Mona Lisa' her own room
Speed Read The world's most-visited art museum is getting a major renovation
By Peter Weber, The Week US
-
Honda and Nissan in merger talks
Speed Read The companies are currently Japan's second and third-biggest automakers, respectively
By Peter Weber, The Week US
-
Taylor Swift wraps up record-shattering Eras tour
Speed Read The pop star finally ended her long-running tour in Vancouver, Canada
By Peter Weber, The Week US
-
Drake claims illegal boosting, defamation
Speed Read The rapper accused Universal Music of boosting Kendrick Lamar's diss track and said UMG allowed him to be falsely accused of pedophilia
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US
-
'Wicked' and 'Gladiator II' ignite holiday box office
Speed Read The combination of the two movies revitalized a struggling box office
By Peter Weber, The Week US