FBI director Kash Patel wrote on X:
Senator Lindsey Graham was a devoted public servant, a fierce defender of our nation, and a true patriot who dedicated his life to the people of South Carolina and the United States. Our prayers are with his family, loved ones, colleagues, and all those who knew him during this devastating time. The FBI is assisting local authorities and has made every necessary resource available.
The post itself does not indicate that authorities suspect foul play in the senator’s death. However, there has been some speculation online about the circumstances surrounding Graham’s sudden death after what his office described as a “brief illness”.
Pod Save America co-host and former Obama adviser Dan Pfeiffer responded to Patel’s post by calling it “an idiotic tweet from a complete idiot that will give rocket fuel to the conspiracy theories circulating online.”
Mace also just posted on X a bit of skepticism at Trump’s telling of his last conversation with Graham, in which the president claims the late senator was fired up about his controversial voter registration bill.
She wrote:
Shockingly, Lindsey Graham died a few minutes after speaking to President Trump - confirming the Senate was all set to pass the SAVE America Act… according to the President.
Nancy Mace, a Maga firebrand who recently ran for South Carolina governor but came in fifth in the state’s primary election, is one of several politicians eyeing Lindsey Graham’s seat.
She posted a not-so-subtle but also not exactly mournful video clip on X from The Godfather Part III of Michael Corleone saying, “Just when I thought I was out… they pull me back in”.
And earlier, a person familiar with Mace’s thinking told The Hill “Yolo” (you only live once) when asked about her interest in replacing the late senator.
Explainer: Graham’s death triggers a scramble to replace him – what happens next
South Carolina’s governor, Henry McMaster, has the political decision of a lifetime with the unexpected death in office of Senator Lindsey Graham. The Republican governor and loyalist of Donald Trump will appoint a new senator to serve out the remainder of Graham’s term, which ends on 3 January.
Whoever McMaster appoints will likely have a leg up in a special primary election on 11 August to fill Graham’s place on the November ballot, which he won despite facing five challengers from his party in June. That election calendar favors candidates with wide name recognition and deep institutional support.
The candidate would still run against Democratic nominee Annie Andrews, a pediatrician who gained significant support in the red state, but still faces an uphill challenge.
Congressman Joe Wilson has reportedly expressed interest in the seat. Of the Republican delegation to Washington, Wilson is the longest tenured. He has represented South Carolina’s second congressional district since 2001, and his activism within the state’s Republican party predates its dominance in the state’s politics.
Mark Lynch, a Greenville businessman, came in second with 29% of the vote. Lynch was a critic of Graham’s posture toward federal spending, immigration, and budget issues.
Congressman Ralph Norman, who placed third in the Republican gubernatorial primary, has also entered speculation as a successor to Graham, as has Nancy Mace, the ultraconservative congresswoman who came in fifth in a bid for the Republican gubernatorial nomination.
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Graham's death comes amid fraught time for Senate Republicans - snap analysis
Lindsey’s Graham’s death comes at a perilous time for Senate Republicans, who face a series of legislative priorities pushed by Donald Trump with the August recess just weeks away, Politico notes.
They now have it all to do with an even tighter margin, as the mystery around Mitch McConnell’s health deepens – with no indication of when he might return to Congress – the GOP’s Senate majority stands at 52-47.
Graham’s absence will be felt most immediately by acting attorney general Todd Blanche, who is gearing up for his confirmation hearing before the Senate judiciary committee on Wednesday and was counting on Graham’s crucial vote to see him through. Blanche now faces an uphill battle to prevent even one Republican defection from tanking his entire bid.
The South Carolina Republican was also a crucial voice backing Trump’s authority to continue his war on Iran without congressional approval. Democrats will be pushing back hard on the war over the next few weeks, Politico reported yesterday.
That’s on top of the annual defense policy bill and the supplemental Iran war funding that Trump has been pushing for, which Graham had supported. Senate GOP leaders will also need to replace Graham as chair of the budget committee and fill his vacancy on the appropriations committee.
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The day so far: Washington remembers Lindsey Graham
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Tributes have been pouring in this morning as Washington reels from the sudden death of Republican senator Lindsey Graham, of South Carolina, at the age of 71. Graham died on Saturday evening after a “brief and sudden illness”, according to a statement from his office, which gave no further details. Citing police scanner audio, the Washington Post reported that emergency medical services received a call at about 8.30pm on Saturday regarding a person suffering chest pains at Graham’s home on Capitol Hill. About 25 minutes later, per the Post, emergency personnel said CPR was in progress and a man was suffering cardiac arrest. There had been no known concerns over the health of Graham, who celebrated his birthday last Thursday and had just returned from a visit to Ukraine.
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Donald Trump praised Graham, one of his closest allies, as “one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known” and said he had spoken to him on the phone shortly before his death. Graham in many ways embodied the evolution of the Republican party, morphing from a fierce critic of Trump into one of his greatest political cheerleaders once he entered the White House. “He was like a member of the family,” Trump told NBC’s Meet the Press, adding that they had talked about Graham’s efforts to rally support for the Save America Act in that final phone call.
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Graham had made a name for himself as a foreign policy hawk - notably as a leading voice in Congress for support for Ukraine and Israel, whose dignitaries led global tributes today. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who had just met with Graham on Friday, said he was “deeply saddened” by his death and that the world had lost “a determined leader” and a “true defender of freedom”. Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel had “lost one of its greatest friends”, and Israeli president Isaac Herzog said the news had left him “shocked and heartbroken”.
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Tributes poured in across Washington, from members of the Trump administration to Graham’s colleagues in Congress and in South Carolina. Several senators have called for the Russia sanctions package, which Graham had worked on for months and received the green light from Trump on Friday, to be passed when lawmakers return this week in his memory. A fierce backer of Trump’s war on Iran, Graham’s absence will also be felt as the ceasefire collapses and fighting starts up again.
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Graham’s death will also impact the Senate and November’s midterm elections. Per state law, South Carolina’s governor may appoint a temporary replacement, but as Graham was up for re-election this year, there will also be a special primary election on 11 August to replace him on the ballot (and a run-off, if necessary, on 25 August). Trump said he had someone in mind to succeed Graham but said it was “too soon” after his death to say.
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Former president Joe Biden, who served with Graham in the Senate for over a decade, said he was “shocked by [his] sudden passing].
Lindsey and I served together in Congress for over a decade, and worked closely on many issues throughout the years. We traveled the world together as members of the Senate Foreign Relations committee. We disagreed often, and sometimes loudly.
Lindsey and I did agree on the profound importance of public service. Like me, he loved the Senate as an institution, even with all its flaws and complexities.
To his family, his staff, his constituents in South Carolina, and everyone who loved him: Jill and I are keeping you in our prayers.
Democratic senator Chris Coons said there was “no better friend, no tougher adversary” than Lindsey Graham as he reflected on their friendship, marked by bipartisan foreign policy achievements and fierce sparring in Congress.
Graham had been “jubilant” after Donald Trump signaled that he was open to moving forward with the Russian sanctions package, Coons told ABC’s This Week. “It’s my hope that we will take up and pass this bill in Lindsey’s memory this week when we all get back to session,” he added.
Here’s Coons’s statement:
I traveled the world with Lindsey, visiting dozens of countries across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. We argued, advocated, and legislated together for more than fifteen years, and I am stunned by his sudden passing. We had dinner to celebrate his birthday at the Nato summit this past week, and one of my last memories of him will be of his irreverent wit, as well as his patriotism and love of freedom. Lindsey believed in the fundamental goodness of an America that uses its might to support the fight for freedom globally. His passionate advocacy for Ukraine and his tireless fight to impose greater costs on Putin for his war of aggression inspired many of us in the Senate. We should promptly pass his bill with Senator Blumenthal to impose greater sanctions and tariffs on the buyers of Russian oil and gas in his memory.
While we disagreed fiercely on many policy issues, he was complicated and could not be pigeonholed. I will never forget that at the height of the hearings over Justice Kavanaugh’s confirmation in 2018, one of the ugliest and most partisan fights we ever had, he was also quietly working hard to save American foreign aid. Several of my most important bills I have passed were with Lindsey, from conservation in Africa to promoting balanced American engagement with fragile states. I will miss having him as a partner in the Senate.
Of my colleagues, few have been able to frustrate and anger, amuse and engage me in a single conversation the way Lindsey could. I will deeply miss his humor, his global view, and his tireless optimism. Annie and I are keeping his family, including his beloved sister Darline, in our prayers.
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GOP senator Roger Wicker, of Mississippi, shared this tribute:
There are no words to describe Lindsey Graham, my friend of more than three decades. There are no words to describe his impact on the foreign and domestic policy of the United States. Lindsey served his beloved country in uniform and in the House and Senate. He stood solidly for freedom and strength and he fought for liberty across the globe. Lindsey Graham can be succeeded in office but he cannot be replaced.
Sharing his tribute on X, US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz recalled meeting Lindsey Graham when the late senator was a colonel in the Air National Guard.
He insisted on spending his 3 weeks annual training in Afghanistan training Afghan Army JAG officers.
From Libya to Lebanon, no member of Congress traveled more to appreciate both the troops and bring ground truth back to legislating.
Most of all, he talked about helping the people of South Carolina and that our freedoms must be defended by projecting strength. Rest easy, Patriot.
US ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said he was “still processing” Graham’s death and “reflecting on his life of service, his great sense of humor, and his love of Israel & the Jewish people.”
He was here in Israel often. He understood the importance of the US/Israel partnership. He will be sorely missed.
Treasury secretary Scott Bessent echoed that Graham “was a great American and Patriot”.
He was a dedicated public servant who never stopped fighting for the Palmetto State and all Americans.
As a Senator he worked tirelessly for our country. It was an honor to call him my friend. And work with him to advance President Trump’s agenda at home and on the international stage.
Lindsey was a one-of-a-kind politician who could speak at length on both global defense policy and South Carolina kitchen table issues. He will be missed across our state, country and the entire globe.
My prayers are with his sister and extended family during this difficult time.
Acting attorney general Todd Blanche called Lindsey Graham “an American patriot who loved our country”. He wrote on X:
He was a friend whose advice and humor was always appreciated. This is a devastating loss for America and the people of South Carolina, and our prayers are with his family, friends and Senate colleagues.
Democrat Jeanne Shaheen also called on Congress to pass Lindsey Graham’s Russia sanctions bill, which she said he had described as “one of his most consequential efforts”.
Shaneen, the ranking member on the Senate foreign relations committee, said in a statement:
I am shocked and deeply saddened to learn of my friend senator Lindsey Graham’s sudden passing. Billy and I are keeping his loved ones, constituents and staff close in thought. Lindsey was a tireless advocate for America’s indispensable global role and had a particular focus on supporting Ukraine in the face of Russia’s unprovoked invasion. Just days ago, we were at the Nato summit together, pushing toward this goal. On Friday, Senators Graham, Blumenthal, Wicker and I announced White House support for our Russia sanctions legislation to help finally achieve peace for Ukraine, which Lindsey described as one of his most consequential efforts. There can be no more fitting memorial to Lindsey, his legacy or the causes he fought for than to pass this legislation and realize his long-held dream of an independent and secure Ukraine.
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GOP representative Michael McCaul echoed others calling Graham a “giant” in the Senate, and called for Congress to approve fresh sanctions on Russia in his honor.
This is a loss not only for his family and friends like me, but for the entire nation. We shared a similar world view that America is strongest at home when we are strong abroad. We worked together on many foreign policy issues, including the Russian sanctions bill. I am introducing the House version of that bill this week, and Congress should pass it in his honor. Above all, Lindsey was a friend and I will miss him very much.
Wyoming Republican John Barrasso said he was “deeply saddened” by the loss of his “dear friend”. He wrote on X:
My prayers are with his family and all who loved him.
Lindsey represented South Carolina and America with pride and determination. He guided the Senate through our toughest battles while Chairman of both the Judiciary Committee and the Budget Committee. He carried the day with his mission clarity and steadfast leadership.
All of us in the Senate will miss his quick wit and infectious laughter. The Senate will never again see anyone quite like Senator Lindsey Graham.
Republican senator Tom Cotton, of Arkansas, called Lindsey Graham “an American original”.
A truly self-made man, he lost his parents at an early age and cared for his younger sister. That same sense of responsibility and duty took him into the Air Force and the Congress. Lindsey was a great champion for our military, our troops, and our national security. A lover of liberty and a true patriot, Lindsey never stopped working on behalf of South Carolina and America. His premature death is a tragedy for all those who knew him. Anna and I join all Arkansans in extending our deepest condolences to Lindsey’s family and friends.
GOP senator Lisa Murkowski, of Alaska, wrote on X:
Lindsey and I came into the Senate at the same time over two decades ago. Throughout that time he has been my friend and a true leader for our country. It is hard to convey the loss that I feel knowing that we will no longer have his leadership in the Senate. Verne and I send our prayers to his family and all those who knew and loved him.
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Texas Republican senator Ted Cruz called Graham “a fearless patriot, a devoted public servant, and one of the fiercest advocates for America’s national security”.
He loved this country deeply, and he dedicated his life to defending it. For years, I had the privilege of serving alongside Lindsey in the Senate. We fought shoulder to shoulder for conservative judges, stood together with our allies, and never wavered in confronting America’s adversaries.
Heidi’s and my prayers are with his family, his devoted staff, and the people of South Carolina. His friendship, his sparkling humor, and his unwavering commitment to our nation will be deeply missed.
May God grant him eternal rest.
Senate majority leader John Thune paid tribute this morning to his Graham’s legacy, calling him a “strong ally to freedom-loving countries across the globe”.
My heart is heavy this morning to learn of the passing of my friend and colleague, Senator Lindsey Graham.
Lindsey’s long and dedicated service in the Air Force and in Congress carried him to far-flung regions of the world. He was a strong advocate for the United States and a strong ally to freedom-loving countries across the globe. He believed in the might of America to achieve good in the world and dedicated his life to advancing that cause.
As South Carolina’s senior senator, Lindsey fought passionately for the Palmetto State. He was a trusted adviser and colleague to me and many others, and numerous presidents and heads of state have relied on his counsel. His influence on the federal judiciary, our national defense, and his beloved South Carolina will be felt for generations.
Kimberley and I pray for Lindsey’s friends and family, and we send our heartfelt condolences during this most difficult time.
South Carolina Democrat James Clyburn characterized his political relationship with Lindsey Graham as “sometimes partisan and passionate, but always pleasant and productive on behalf of the people of South Carolina.”
Sending his condolences to Graham’s sister and family, Clyburn added:
For more than three decades, we served the people of the Palmetto state together in Congress. Throughout that time, we maintained a relationship grounded in mutual respect, even when our political differences were significant. His commitment to public service and the people he represented will remain an enduring part of his legacy.
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Republican representative Ralph Norman paid tribute to Graham, writing on Facebook that their state of South Carolina had “lost a devoted public servant”.
“Senator Lindsey Graham dedicated his life to serving our state and our country. His passing is a tremendous loss,” he said. “Elaine and I are praying for his family, his staff, and the countless friends whose lives he touched. May God grant them peace and strength in the days ahead.”
Fellow South Carolina GOP representative Joe Wilson wrote that he was “shocked and saddened” to hear of Graham’s death.
“Having served as a South Carolina state representative, US Representative, US Senator, and as a decorated veteran of the US Air Force, Lindsey proudly served the people of the Palmetto State and America. He will always be cherished as a Patriot, tireless for Peace Through Strength, successfully defeating totalitarians,” Wilson wrote. “All three generations of the Wilson family extend deepest sympathy and appreciation for his dedicated service and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. The country has lost a beloved leader — and I have lost a respected colleague and friend. Lindsey will be missed.”
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt joined others in saying, “America has lost a statesman.”
“President Trump and the White House have lost a friend,” she wrote on X. “Rest in Peace, Senator Graham.”
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'We certainly had our disagreements, but I couldn't help but like him': Vance on Graham
Vice-president JD Vance has now shared this tribute to Lindsey Graham:
Lindsey Graham came from humble beginnings and became one of the most powerful lawmakers in the most powerful nation on Earth. His story was a fundamentally American one.
Early in my Senate tenure, I remember getting into a shouting match with Lindsey about a Ukraine funding bill at lunch and then learning the very next day that he was pushing rail legislation I really cared about behind the scenes. That was Lindsey Graham. He fought like hell for the things he believed in, and he was just as willing to go to bat for you when it counted.
Lindsey had the best sense of humor in the Senate. He loved the game of politics. He was constantly asking which races were up and down, and how he could help. As he liked to say, ‘I don’t care if you’re an isolationist or a religious fanatic, so long as you have an R next to your name, I want you to win.’
We certainly had our disagreements. But I couldn’t help but like him. A one of a kind figure in our politics. I’ll be praying for him and his family.
GOP representative Nancy Mace has also paid tribute to Graham, whom she called a “giant” for their state of South Carolina.
She wrote on X:
South Carolina lost a giant last night. For more than three decades, Lindsey Graham gave everything he had to this state and this country, from the Air Force to the United States Senate.
We did not always agree, but no one ever questioned his love for South Carolina or the fight he brought to every room he walked into.
Please join me in praying for his family and for all who called him a friend. Rest easy, Senator.
Annie Andrews, the Democratic nominee in South Carolina’s Senate race, also paid tribute to Graham for his public service. She wrote on X:
I hope that South Carolinians will join me in setting partisanship aside and offering gratitude to Senator Lindsey Graham for his service to the great state of South Carolina.
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Fellow South Carolina Republican Tim Scott paid tribute to Graham this morning, calling him a “true statesman”.
“America’s lost a true statesman. We don’t have many left, but he was a true statesman,” Scott told CNN’s State of the Union, “but I’ve lost a friend.”
Scott, South Carolina’s first black senator and the first black senator from a southern state since the reconstruction era, also recalled being welcomed “with open arms” by Graham when he took office in 2013.
He knew that my path was different. He understood the power of change in South Carolina and how much our state had changed, but he was one of the first folks in the Senate to welcome me in with open arms.
Trump says he has someone in mind to succeed Graham but 'it's too soon' after his death to say
On that, Donald Trump said he has someone in mind for serving the remainder of Graham’s term in Congress.
“I have somebody that I think would be great, but I don’t want to say it now because it just, you know, it’s too soon with Lindsey,” Trump told NBC’s Meet the Press.
“They’ll have some people joining. Some are good, some are bad,” he said. “I never thought I’d be in this position. I thought Lindsey was going to be living forever … He was going to win by a lot.”
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Under South Carolina state law, governor Henry McMaster may appoint a temporary replacement to fill Graham’s now-vacant seat. As Graham was up for re-election this year and won the GOP primary last month, there is also now a vacancy in the Republican nomination for his seat.
After McMaster appoints a replacement, state law requires a special primary for voters to select a new nominee within weeks of a vacancy. The general election winner will take office in January, beginning a full six-year term.
McMaster’s office did not immediately return messages from the Associated Press seeking comment on who would take Graham’s seat or when the machinations for the primary would begin. State party officials said early on Sunday that they would release more information when they could.
McMaster said in a statement that Graham was “irreplaceable”.
“The fiercest of fighters for South Carolina and America — and a loyal and steadfast friend,” McMaster said. He added: “We shall not see his likes again.”
The White House flags have been lowered to half-staff this morning after Graham’s death, in accordance with federal law.
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Lindsey Graham had been scheduled to make his 64th appearance on NBC’s Meet The Press this morning.
The host, Kristen Welker, expressed her condolences to his family and colleagues and said, “President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will join us this morning to reflect on his life and legacy”.
For some of Trump’s comments see my last post, I’ll bring you more along with lines from Netanyahu’s interview shortly.
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Trump says he spoke to Lindsey Graham last night
Donald Trump has said that he spoke to Lindsey Graham on Saturday night shortly before he died.
The president told NBC’s Meet the Press that Graham called him yesterday evening after he got back from Ukraine and said, “we’re all set for the Save America Act.”
“What makes it even stranger is that I got a call last night, sometime you know the early evening, maybe in the sevens, and he called and he said we’re all set for the Save America Act. He was pushing the Save America Act like crazy,” Trump said.
“He said he’d just landed from Ukraine … he said he was tired,” Trump recalled, adding that he later got a message from someone at Graham’s office around 1am informing him that he had died. “I can’t believe it,” Trump said of his reaction, “he was like a member of the family.”
He said that at the end of the call he had told Graham: “We’ll see you soon. Come over anytime you want.”
“He came into the White House a lot because I liked him. Can’t do that with everybody,” Trump added.
'Israel has lost one of its greatest friends': Israeli politicians pay tribute to one of its staunchest allies in Washington
It is telling that the leaders of Israel were also among the first foreign dignitaries to pay tribute to Lindsey Graham, one of Israel’s staunchest defenders in Congress.
Graham championed billions of dollars in security assistance and defence funding for Israel, made multiple trips to the region after the October 7 2023 attacks, and fiercely defended Israel diplomatically as it stands accused of committing genocide in Gaza. He was also a strong backer of Trump’s war against Iran.
Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel had lost “one of its greatest friends”. In a statement released by his office, the Israeli prime minister said:
In our recent meeting, I said, ‘Lindsey is a great friend of Israel and a cherished friend of mine. We have no better friend than Lindsey.’ Lindsey understood that the security of Israel and America are inseparable.
He devoted his life to defending America, strengthening our alliance and standing up for the free world. Israel has lost one of its greatest friends.
Isaac Herzog, the Israeli president, said the news had left him “shocked and heartbroken”. He wrote on X:
I am shocked and heartbroken to learn of the sudden passing of the great American patriot, a great friend of Israel, and my dear friend US Senator Lindsey Graham.
Senator Graham was a beacon of moral clarity and a true leader of the US-Israel partnership. We will never forget how he stood by the people of Israel in our most difficult moments, and we will remain eternally grateful for his sense of justice, truth, and loyalty.
The people of Israel mourn his loss, and I will miss my great friend very dearly.
My thoughts are with Lindsey’s family and friends at this tragic time. May he rest in peace.
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'True defender of freedom': Zelenskyy pays tribute to Graham's support of Ukraine
Lindsey Graham made a name for himself with his work on foreign policy and was a leading voice in Washington advocating for the US to support Ukraine, urging both the Trump and Biden administrations to back Kyiv’s fight against Russia’s invasion.
Just last week, he had visited Ukraine. Following their last meeting on Friday - which would also turn out to be Graham’s final public appearance - Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote on social media: “I’m grateful to Lindsey for recognizing our warriors.” Graham died the next day.
Paying tribute today, Zelenskyy said he was “deeply saddened” by Graham’s death and that the world had lost “a determined leader” and a “true defender of freedom”. He wrote on X:
Deeply saddened by the news of the passing of United States Senator Lindsey Graham. Lindsey was a true defender of freedom and the values that make our world safer.
He visited Ukraine ten times during the years of Russia’s full-scale invasion and was here with our people when it was most needed. We remained in constant dialogue, and I will miss our conversations. We met twice in just the past week.
A staunch advocate for bipartisan and bicameral support for Ukraine, in recent weeks, he had been working on important initiatives that could help bring peace closer, including stronger sanctions against Russia. We will always be especially grateful for the recognition of our people and words of admiration for the courage of Ukraine’s defenders.
America and the world have lost a determined leader.
Our condolences go out to Lindsey’s family, loved ones, and everyone who had the privilege of working alongside him.
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The statement issued by Lindsey Graham’s office said only that the senator had “passed away from a brief and sudden illness”. It gave no further details.
Citing police scanner audio, the Washington Post (paywall) reports that emergency medical services had received a call at about 8.30pm on Saturday for a person suffering chest pains at Graham’s home on Capitol Hill. About 25 minutes later, according to the Post, emergency personnel said CPR was in progress and a man was suffering cardiac arrest.
Graham's evolution from Trump critic to fierce ally
Lindsey Graham grew up in Central, a small town in South Carolina, where his parents ran a restaurant and pool hall. He was the first member of his family to go to college, earning undergraduate and law degrees from the University of South Carolina.
He served as an air force lawyer then joined the South Carolina Air National Guard. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 1994 and was a manager during Bill Clinton’s 1999 impeachment trial.
Elected to the Senate in 2002, Graham carved out a reputation as one of Capitol Hill’s most outspoken foreign policy hawks. He supported the US war in Iraq and had long urged military action in Iran. He opposed the nuclear agreement negotiated by Barack Obama and had been one of Trump’s staunchest defenders in the current conflict.
He briefly sought the Republican presidential nomination in 2016 and was initially a sharp critic of Trump, then the insurgent frontrunner. He condemned Trump as a “jackass”, “a race-baiting bigot” and “the most flawed nominee in the history of the Republican party”, memorably warning on Twitter:
If we nominate Trump, we will get destroyed … and we will deserve it.
Trump, in turn, dismissed Graham as an “idiot” and a “lightweight”.
But the relationship was transformed after Trump entered the White House and Graham became one of the president’s closest confidants. He emerged as a key adviser on foreign policy, particularly Iran and Russia. He also rallied the defence of Trump’s embattled nominee for the supreme court, Brett Kavanaugh, in 2018.
Graham wobbled only after Trump’s supporters staged an insurrection at the US Capitol on 6 January 2021 in an effort to overturn his election defeat. The senator declared:
Trump and I, we’ve had a hell of a journey – I hate it to end this way. Oh my God, I hate it. From my point of view, he’s been a consequential president but today, first thing you’ll see. All I can say is count me out. Enough is enough.
His rebellion did not last, however, and he refused to vote to convict Trump at the subsequent impeachment trial. He was again quick to endorse Trump in the 2024 presidential election.
Graham’s death marks the passing of the last of the “three amigos”, comprising Graham, Joe Lieberman and John McCain, senators and close friends who each made unsuccessful bids for the presidency. McCain died in 2018, Lieberman in 2024.
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Trump praises Graham as 'one of the greatest people I have ever known'
Lindsey Graham’s death is a personal blow to Donald Trump, for whom he was a political cheerleader and frequent golf partner. The president praised Graham, one of his closest allies, on Truth Social and said details on funeral arrangements would follow.
Senator Lindsey Graham, one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known, is dead! He was always working, and was a true American Patriot. Lindsey will be greatly missed!!! DETAILS AND ARRANGEMENTS TO FOLLOW. So sad!
Senator Lindsey Graham has died after sudden illness, his office says
Lindsey Graham, a longtime US senator and key ally of Donald Trump, has died from a sudden illness, his office said on Sunday. He had just turned 71.
Graham’s abrupt death will send shock waves through Washington and the Republican party. He had served in the Senate since 2003, representing South Carolina, and was running for re-election in November.
“On the evening of Saturday 11 July, US senator Lindsey Graham passed away from a brief and sudden illness,” his office said in a statement. “Senator Graham’s family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period.
