US Senator Lindsey Graham has been accused of making a sexist remark to Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen during diplomatic talks in Munich. According to Danish newspaper Berlingske, cited by the Daily Beast, Graham allegedly addressed Frederiksen as 'little lady' while looking her 'straight in the eye' and sneering.
The incident occurred at a meeting attended by members of the US House and Senate, as well as Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen. The talks were convened to discuss President Donald Trump’s threats to annex Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, a NATO ally. Puck first reported on Graham’s alleged outburst, citing sources who described the senator as 'combative' and using 'lots of F-bombs.' One witness reportedly compared the scene to 'Graham on his worst TV day.'
Berlingske cited alleged witnesses who called the behaviour 'disturbing,' 'shocking,' and 'extremely inappropriate.' Another source claimed that Graham 'yawned directly in his [Nielsen’s] face in a way that could only be perceived as mocking.' Reports suggest that prior to the outburst, Graham was boasting about Trump and the extent of his power.
Democratic Senator Elissa Slotkin, who was reportedly present, was said to be so shocked by Graham’s conduct that she walked out of the meeting. She later returned 'visibly shaken,' according to reports. The Independent has requested comment from both Graham and Slotkin.
A day before the alleged incident, Slotkin told Bloomberg’s Oliver Crook that actions by American leaders could easily damage relations with long-time allies. 'I think it takes a long time to build trust and an instant to lose it,' Slotkin said. 'When you start acting erratically, when you act like a madman and no one knows what you’re going to do next, they can’t trust to make a deal with you.'
Frederiksen reportedly took the tantrum in stride, waiting for Graham to finish before telling him, 'When you’re done with that, the meeting can continue.' Graham may have previewed his diplomatic style on Friday when he told Politico, 'Who gives a s*** who owns Greenland. The point is Greenland is going to be more fortified because Donald Trump, once he feels like it’s his brand or his buy-in, is going to go big.'
