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Trump praises Lindsey Graham as 'one of the greatest people I have ever known' after senator dies of sudden illness – live | US politics

Trump praised Graham, recalled their final phone call and ordered flags lowered in his honor.

Trump praises Lindsey Graham as 'one of the greatest people I have ever known' after senator dies of sudden illness – live | US politics
Image · The Guardian

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Outlet credibilityThe Guardian84/100 HIGH
This article1 analysis · Oct 4, 2026
Jul 12, 2026
tl;dr

Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina died after what his office called a “brief and sudden illness,” prompting tributes and renewed attention to his Senate seat and the coming election. Donald Trump praised Graham and ordered flags lowered to half-staff.

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60 VOTES
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Donald Trump R · President of the United States
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People in this story

SWIPE →
Donald Trump
R · President of the United States

President who praised Graham, ordered flags lowered and discussed a possible successor.

PRIMARY SUBJECT
Lindsey Graham
Former U.S. Senator (R-SC)

South Carolina senator whose death prompted tributes and succession plans.

Graham's version of this story ↗
Nancy Mace
R · SC-1

South Carolina representative who questioned Trump’s account and was mentioned as a possible successor to Graham.

Todd Blanche
R · Attorney General

Acting attorney general preparing for a Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing.

Former presidential candidate whom Graham voted for in 2016.

John McCain
Former U.S. Senator (R-AZ)

Former senator whose foreign policy views were compared with Graham’s.

Mark Lynch
R · SC

Greenville businessman and former Republican gubernatorial primary candidate.

Former senator and political ally whose foreign policy was compared with Graham’s.

Mitch McConnell
R · KY · SEN

Senator whose health and possible return were discussed in the context of the Senate majority.

Former president who paid tribute to Graham and recalled their Senate work.

Ralph Norman
R · SC-5

South Carolina representative mentioned as a possible successor to Graham.

Joe Wilson
R · SC-2

South Carolina representative reportedly interested in Graham’s Senate seat.

Chuck Schumer
D · NY · SEN

Senator recalled as a partner in immigration negotiations with Graham.

Richard Blumenthal
D · CT · SEN

Senator who co-led a bill with Graham to impose sanctions and tariffs on buyers of Russian oil and gas.

Democratic Senate candidate expected to face the eventual Republican nominee.

Christopher A. Coons
D · DE · SEN

Senator who paid tribute to Graham and urged passage of their Russia sanctions bill.

ALSO MENTIONED  Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli prime minister who praised Graham’s friendship with Israel.; Dan Pfeiffer, Former Obama adviser who criticized Patel’s social media post.; Friedrich Merz, German chancellor who paid tribute to Graham.; George W. Bush, Former president whose administration’s Iraq war was supported by Graham and Lieberman.; Henry McMaster, South Carolina governor who may appoint a temporary replacement for Graham.; Isaac Herzog, Israeli president who expressed shock and sadness at Graham’s death.; John Kerry, Former senator who worked with Graham and Lieberman on a climate bill.; Karim Ahmad Khan, International Criminal Court prosecutor whom Graham addressed during a 2024 call.; Kash Patel, FBI director who said the agency was assisting local authorities.; Mark Carney, Canadian prime minister who paid tribute to Graham.; Mark Rutte, NATO secretary general who paid tribute to Graham.; Nikki Haley, Former South Carolina governor who paid tribute to Graham.; Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission who praised Graham’s support for Ukraine.; Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukrainian president who paid tribute to Graham after meeting him.; Yvette Cooper, British foreign secretary who praised Graham’s support for NATO and Ukraine.

Part of a bigger story

34 OUTLETS
Trump Pays Tribute to Lindsey Graham After His Death

Outlets agree President Donald Trump paid tribute to Senator Lindsey Graham following his sudden death at 71 and recommended Graham's sister, Darline Graham Nordone, to temporarily fill his Senate seat. Left-leaning outlets emphasize Trump's past friction with Graham, his wandering public tributes, and emerging Republican squabbles over the vacancy. Center outlets concentrate on Graham's role as Trump's key Senate intermediary and the procedural disruptions to the party's agenda. Right-leaning outlets, such as Fox News, highlight Trump's personal mourning, Graham's conservative battles, and their final discussion concerning voting legislation.

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