Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., introduced a bipartisan Turkey sanctions bill that goes far beyond economic penalties President Donald Trump has imposed, widening a rift between the usually staunch Trump ally and the president.
"Mr. President, as much as I like you and want to work with you, I am going to be consistent, and I will hold you accountable," Graham said at a news conference announcing the bill, USA Today reported.
The unveiling came before Vice President Mike Pence announced Turkey had agreed to a five-day pause on military operations in Syria. Graham later applauded the temporary ceasefire but warned it is just a first step and he would continue to push for passage of his sanctions bill, the news outlet reported.
The legislation, which Graham introduced with Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., would target Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's personal finances and sanction the Turkish armed forces, among other entities.
He said they are needed because China, Russian, and Iran are also watching and need to be told they cannot act with impunity.
© 2026 Newsmax. All rights reserved.