Tributes Pour In After Sen. Lindsey Graham’s Death
“Meet the Press” host Kristen Welker paid tribute to South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham after his sudden passing, which occurred just before he was set to make his 64th appearance on the show. “Senator Lindsey Graham was scheduled to appear on @MeetThePress this morning. This would have been his 64th appearance. Our deepest condolences go out to his family and colleagues,” Welker announced.
In light of Graham’s death, President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu were scheduled to appear on the broadcast to reflect on Graham’s legacy. Welker mentioned, “President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will join us this morning to reflect on his life and accomplishments.”
Trump revealed that he had spoken with Graham just hours before his passing. He noted that their conversation touched on Graham’s involvement with the “SAVE America Act.” Trump recalled that Graham sounded a bit tired but motivated. “He was a worker. He was a real worker,” Trump remarked. He continued, saying the last contact he had with Graham was a call around 1 a.m. when he was informed of Graham’s passing, which left him in disbelief as he felt like Graham was family.
In a statement, Netanyahu expressed that Graham was his “dearest friend,” conveying his shock at the news. He characterized Graham’s death as a “sadness” for Israel and a “celebration” for Iran, adding that Graham never wavered in his understanding of the threats posed by regimes like Iran. “Lindsay never confused right and wrong,” he stated.
Graham’s office confirmed that he had died after a “short-term sudden illness” at the age of 71. “Senator Graham’s family appreciates your prayers at this time and requests privacy during this incredibly difficult time,” the statement read.
Before his unexpected death, Graham had been a significant figure in the Senate since 2003 and had just returned from Ukraine. He was also running for a fifth term in the Senate. Under South Carolina law, the process for filling his Senate seat will commence soon.
As the nation reflects on Graham’s life, it’s clear that he made an impact across party lines, eliciting a wave of tributes from various figures in politics.
