US President Donald Trump offered a deeply personal tribute to Senator Lindsey Graham on Sunday, mourning the loss of a man he described as a "great politician" and a central figure in his political orbit. Graham passed away on Saturday evening after a "brief and sudden illness," his office announced.
Final Conversation Focused on Legislation
Speaking during an interview on NBC's Meet the Press, Trump revealed that he had spoken with Graham just hours before his death. Their final conversation centered on legislative strategy, specifically Graham's dedication to the "SAVE America Act."
"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.
Trump Refuses to Discuss Other Topics
As the interview progressed, Trump resisted pivots to other political topics, including tensions in Iran, insisting that the conversation remain focused entirely on celebrating the Senator's life and character.
"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 honour 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 shared.
Praise for Political Skill and Kavanaugh Role
Beyond their legislative work, Trump lauded Graham's rare aptitude for the political process, praising him as a "natural" who possessed a unique understanding of the system.
"He was a great politician. People don't realise 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 remarked.
Trump also reflected on Graham's ability to remain steady under pressure, explicitly pointing to his pivotal role in 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 added.
White House Flags at Half-Staff
Meanwhile, the White House flag was lowered to half-staff in Washington following Graham's death. Earlier in the day, Trump mourned the loss on his Truth Social platform, calling the 71-year-old South Carolina Republican a "true American Patriot" who was "always working."
"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.
Graham's office said the family had sought privacy during the difficult time. The senator's death marks the loss of a key Trump ally who served in the Senate since 2003 and was a prominent voice on national security and judicial matters.
