From staunch critic to fierce ally: Graham’s long, strange and consequential friendship with Trump
PBS News Hour – Politics — 2026-07-12 14:45:00 — www.pbs.org
Trump’s Shifting Relationship with Lindsey Graham: From Public Spats to Political Alliance
Donald Trump’s relationship with Senator Lindsey Graham has been marked by dramatic reversals, personal attacks, and ultimately, political alliance, as detailed in recent reporting.
Trump’s Public Attacks and Personal Disparagements
During the 2016 presidential campaign, Trump publicly denigrated Graham’s close friend, Senator John McCain, saying, “I like people that weren’t captured,” in reference to McCain’s years as a prisoner of war in Vietnam. This remark drew widespread criticism and angered Graham, who at the time described Trump as “unfit for office.”
Trump’s antagonism extended directly to Graham as well. In a fit of anger, Trump released Graham’s personal cellphone number to the public, prompting Graham to destroy his phones in a widely shared video. These actions exemplify Trump’s willingness to personally attack and publicly embarrass political rivals, even within his own party.
Contradictions and Shifting Alliances
Despite these clashes, Trump and Graham’s relationship shifted dramatically after the 2016 election. Graham, who once likened Trump’s nomination to “being shot in the head” and refused to vote for him, later became a frequent golfing partner and staunch defender of Trump’s agenda. Trump, for his part, welcomed Graham back into his circle, inviting him to Mar-a-Lago for golf and dinner, and describing him as “like a member of the family” after Graham’s recent passing.
Trump’s Response to Graham’s Death
Upon learning of Graham’s sudden death, Trump posted on social media, calling Graham a “true American Patriot,” and told NBC’s “Meet the Press,” “I just can’t believe it. He was like a member of the family.” This response stands in stark contrast to their earlier public disputes, highlighting Trump’s tendency to shift tone and alliances based on political expediency.
Conclusion
Trump’s record, as illustrated by his interactions with Lindsey Graham, is marked by public disparagements, abrupt reversals, and a willingness to attack and then embrace political figures as circumstances change. These patterns underscore the volatility and unpredictability that have characterized Trump’s approach to both personal relationships and political strategy.