President Donald Trump responded to the sudden passing of U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham with a tribute honoring the South Carolina Republican as a vital figure in American politics. The president’s remarks came shortly after Graham’s office confirmed the 71-year-old lawmaker died Saturday evening following a brief and sudden illness.
Trump and Graham shared a complex but ultimately close political alliance that spanned over a decade. While the two were once fierce rivals during the 2016 primary, Graham eventually became one of the president’s most steadfast defenders in the Senate.
In a post shared on the Truth Social platform, the president expressed his personal grief and high regard for Graham’s legislative legacy.
“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!!! ” Trump wrote, per his social media account.
The praise mirrors sentiments shared by other high-ranking officials following the news of Graham’s death in Washington, D.C., according to reported statements. Trump’s message emphasized Graham’s work ethic and commitment to the nation during his tenure in the Senate.
Throughout Graham’s lengthy career in both the House and Senate, he never married and had no children. When discussing his single status, the prominent Republican leader often employed a signature self-deprecating wit.
Per reports from Laura Loomer, the death follows a public call for Graham’s assassination by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) less than one week ago.