Trump Remembers Lindsey Graham as a “Great Man”

On Monday, President Donald Trump paid tribute to his long-time friend, Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), calling him a “great man.” Trump highlighted Graham’s passionate defense of Brett Kavanaugh during the Supreme Court confirmation hearings as pivotal in changing history.

“He was a wonderful person and a friend,” the president noted during an appearance on “Fox & Friends.”

Trump chuckled as he recounted how Graham would often call and say, “Lindsay, stop calling me.” He added that Graham, who was 71, was a “workaholic politician” loved by people across the political spectrum. Trump praised Graham’s knack for bridging divides and tackling partisan issues.

Unexpected Journey of Friendship

Reflecting on their relationship, Trump stated, “If I had a problem with the Democratic Party, he would solve it. He was a man of all abilities and a good man…a great man.” He described Graham as someone who genuinely enjoyed politics and excelled at it. The president recalled moments of Graham’s anger—especially during the Kavanaugh hearings—as shocking yet effective. “I think it saved…justice for Brett,” he observed.

Trump referred to Graham’s strong remarks in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee, where he vehemently criticized what he deemed “unethical and bogus” hearings surrounding Kavanaugh, who was ultimately confirmed to the Supreme Court. This defense is being recognized as one of Graham’s defining moments in his political career since his passing.

“It was just a split second that Democrats felt very sick and very angry…But Lindsay launched a furious attack, and it was more than just a typical eruption,” Trump remarked. He encouraged viewers to watch the congressional hearings for a firsthand look at the situation.

The Legacy of Lindsey Graham

Senator Graham, who rose from humble beginnings to become a significant figure in the Republican Party, passed away at the age of 71. Trump’s comments stressed how Graham saved Kavanaugh from what could have been a grave injustice, stating, “Otherwise, they would have turned down someone so qualified.”

As the segment concluded, Trump revisited Graham’s legacy, saying, “We lost a great man—a great politician and a kind person.” He emphasized that various countries, including Israel and Ukraine, had lost someone special, but ultimately, “the real loser was the United States. We lost a great man, a kind man, a very smart man.”

Graham’s death, which was reported soon after a “short-term sudden illness,” has spurred national discussions about his impact. Tributes flowed in from both lawmakers and media members, with many expressing condolences to Graham’s family.

A statement from Graham’s office on Sunday noted that the cause of death was determined to be aortic dissection due to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, as stated by preliminary findings from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for the District of Columbia.