Lindsey Graham, longtime Republican senator, dies at 71 after ‘brief and sudden illness’
PBS News Hour – Politics — 2026-07-12 08:37:00 — www.pbs.org
Trump Responds to Lindsey Graham’s Death, Recalls Close Relationship Despite Past Clashes
President Donald Trump, reacting to the sudden death of Senator Lindsey Graham, described the late South Carolina Republican as “like a member of the family. It’s very tough.” Trump made these remarks on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” adding that Graham had called him on Saturday night after returning from Ukraine and “sounded a little bit tired, but perfect.” In response to Graham’s passing, Trump ordered that flags across the country be flown at half-staff until next Saturday evening.
Graham, who had a complicated relationship with Trump, was initially a vocal critic during the 2016 presidential race. At one campaign rally, Trump publicly read out Graham’s personal cellphone number and repeatedly belittled him, while Graham called Trump “unfit for office” and used a profanity to describe him after Trump made disparaging comments about Senator John McCain.
Despite this contentious start, Graham shifted his stance after Trump’s election, becoming one of the president’s most loyal allies. Graham explained his change of heart in a 2018 interview, stating that McCain taught him the importance of helping the president succeed after an election, regardless of prior disagreements.
Throughout Trump’s presidency, Graham was a prominent defender, notably during both impeachment proceedings. Although Graham briefly broke with Trump after the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, declaring “Count me out. Enough is enough,” he soon returned to Trump’s side.
Graham’s influence extended to foreign policy, where he advised Trump on issues such as Iran and Russia, and was a key backer of Trump’s confrontational stance toward Tehran. He also played a central role in legislative efforts during Trump’s second term, including major tax legislation and judicial appointments.
The evolution of Graham’s relationship with Trump—from adversary to confidant—highlights the shifting dynamics within the Republican Party during Trump’s tenure. Trump’s public response to Graham’s death underscores the deep personal and political ties that ultimately defined their partnership, despite a history marked by sharp public attacks and reversals.