Trump Recalls Speaking With Graham Shortly Before His Death
President Donald Trump says he spoke with Sen. Lindsey Graham just before the longtime South Carolina lawmaker died, revealing that Graham mentioned feeling “a little tired” but gave no indication that anything was seriously wrong.
Speaking during a last-minute appearance on NBC News’ Meet the Press, Trump said the conversation took place shortly before emergency responders were called to Graham’s Capitol Hill residence on July 11.
‘He Felt Okay,’ Trump Says
According to Trump, Graham had recently returned from a trip to Ukraine, where he met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss continued U.S. support and sanctions against Russia.
Trump said Graham told him he was simply tired after the lengthy travel. “He felt okay,” the president said, adding that Graham had always been open when he wasn’t feeling well and gave him no reason to believe there was a medical emergency.
NBC Host Calls Death ‘Shocking’
Graham had been scheduled to appear on Meet the Press on Sunday to discuss his recent diplomatic visit. Instead, moderator Kristen Welker opened the program by announcing his death, describing the news as “shocking.”
Welker said one of Graham’s senior aides told NBC there had been no signs that the senator was seriously ill, describing him as someone with remarkable energy who was constantly working.
Tributes Continue to Pour In
Following the announcement of Graham’s death, Trump honored his longtime political ally in a post on Truth Social, calling him “one of the greatest people and Senators” he had ever known and praising his years of public service.
Graham served in the U.S. Senate since 2003 and was seeking another six-year term before his death. Throughout his career, he played a prominent role in debates over national security, foreign policy, judicial appointments, and federal spending.
