Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said he has “zero interest” in serving as a member of President Trump’s Cabinet, shooting down speculation about his future ambitions as he emerged as one of the most vocal supporters of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh during the Senate confirmation process.

Reporters in South Carolina asked him about his plans, and Graham's communications director shared video of the senator's blunt reaction on Monday,

“I have zero interest in serving in President Trump’s Cabinet,” Graham said, noting that he plans to run for re-election in 2020. “I like him, I want to help him, I want him to be successful, but I think I can do more good for the country and help President Trump more effectively by being in the Senate.”

[Also read: Kavanaugh champion Lindsey Graham vows to be powerful weapon for GOP in 2018 midterm elections]


This isn't the first time Graham has brushed off talk that he might be interested in serving as a member of the administration.

When pressed by NBC’s Chuck Todd earlier this year about whether he would serve as a Cabinet member, Graham said “no.”

“We will not be hearing the name Secretary Graham on any Cabinet agency,” Todd added.

“You got it,” Graham said in response.

Although Graham and Trump were fierce rivals when they ran against each other in the 2016 Republican presidential primary, Graham has since warmed up to the president, vocalizing support for Trump on a number of issues. Graham also occasionally plays golf with Trump, including this past weekend.

Trump "used to be a great enemy of mine but now he's a great friend of mine," Graham said in January.