WASHINGTON, July 12 (ANI): U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday paid a deeply personal tribute to Sen. Lindsey Graham, mourning the loss of a man he described as a “great politician” and a central figure in his political life.
Speaking during an interview on NBC’s Meet the Press, Trump emphasized the profound personal impact of the senator’s death, saying he had spoken with Graham just hours before he died.
Trump said their final conversation focused on legislative strategy, particularly Graham’s support for the SAVE America Act. According to the president, the senator had planned to take a firm stance on the filibuster to advance the legislation.
“Well, it’s devastating. I thought he was fine. He called me last night. Where he was really becoming strong was the SAVE America Act, and I think he was going to be there very strongly on the filibuster… He was a strong advocate for SAVE America, and that’s what he called me about last night,” Trump said.
As the interview continued, Trump declined to discuss other political issues, including tensions involving Iran, insisting that the conversation remain focused on honoring Graham’s life and legacy.
“He’s a tough one to lose. He was great — he was unique in every way… He was like a member of the family to me. It’s very tough. I want to honor the life of Lindsey Graham, so I don’t want to talk about it. I told you that before the call… I want to talk about one person today — Lindsey Graham,” Trump said.
Beyond their legislative work together, Trump praised Graham’s political instincts, calling him a “natural” with an exceptional understanding of the political process.
“He was a great politician. People don’t realize what a good politician he was. You’ve probably never heard me say that about anybody. There aren’t too many of them… This man was a great politician. He really got it,” Trump said during the interview.
Trump also reflected on Graham’s ability to remain composed under pressure, highlighting the senator’s role during the confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh.
“His moment on Brett Kavanaugh was one of the classics, I think, in the history of the Senate. I think that saved Brett Kavanaugh’s Supreme Court ascension,” the president said.
Meanwhile, the White House flag has been lowered to half-staff following Graham’s death.
Earlier in the day, Trump mourned the death of his close ally, saying Graham was “one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known.”
In a statement posted on his Truth Social platform, Trump praised the 71-year-old South Carolina Republican as a “true American patriot” who was “always working.”
Expressing his grief, Trump said the senator “will be greatly missed” and promised that further details and funeral arrangements would be announced later.
“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! President DONALD J. TRUMP,” he wrote.
U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, a close ally of President Trump, died Saturday evening after a “brief and sudden illness,” his office said on Sunday.
In a statement, Graham’s office said the family of the Republican senator from South Carolina has requested privacy during this difficult time. (ANI)
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