Lindsey Graham Breaks with Trump on Subjects of Bubba Wallace and Confederate Flag

President Trump ruffled some feathers on Monday, tweeting out a controversial message regarding the drama that has befallen NASCAR as of late.

The Commander in Chief targeted two incidents in particularly in his tweet, both bemoaning the sport’s banning of the Confederate battle flag and wondering if NASCAR’s lone black driver should apologize after a noose-shaped garage-door pull was reported by his team members to the league’s offices.

Has @BubbaWallace apologized to all of those great NASCAR drivers & officials who came to his aid, stood by his side, & were willing to sacrifice everything for him, only to find out that the whole thing was just another HOAX? That & Flag decision has caused lowest ratings EVER!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 6, 2020

Wallace was not involved in the reporting of the noose knot fashioned from the garage door’s rope, and that particular knot was present in photographs from late last year – long before anyone would have known that Wallace would be utilizing the stall.

NASCAR has defended their actions, proclaiming that their choice to err on the side of caution was the only choice to be made.

Trump’s tweet had Senator Lindsey Graham offering a rare rebuke of the President. 

Graham spoke to Fox News’ Brian Kilmeade on Monday during his radio show, where he sided with the racing organization’s decision to bar the Confederate flag from their events.

“They’re trying to grow the sport,” the senator said. “If you’re in business, the Confederate flag is not a good way to grow your business.”

And, on the subject of Bubba Wallace…

“I don’t think Bubba Wallace has anything to apologize for,” Graham said in response to the tweet. “You saw the best in NASCAR. When there was a chance that it was a threat against Bubba Wallace, [the drivers] all rallied to Bubba’s side. I would be looking to celebrate that kind of attitude more than being worried about it being a hoax.”

Wallace himself weighed in on the fresh controversy later in the day.

To the next generation and little ones following my foot steps..#LoveWins pic.twitter.com/tVaV3pkdLe

— Bubba Wallace (@BubbaWallace) July 6, 2020