12.07.2026 11:50
The first condolence message from US President Donald Trump has arrived for US Senator Lindsey Graham, who was announced to have passed away at the age of 71. Trump described Graham as "one of the greatest people and senators I have ever known," while statements from years ago in which Graham harshly criticized Trump as a "racist," "xenophobe," and "religious bigot" have resurfaced. The duo later became one of the closest allies in US politics.
US President Donald Trump spoke for the first time about Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, who was announced to have passed away at the age of 71.
In a post on his social media account, Trump expressed his sorrow over Graham's death, stating, "Lindsey Graham was one of the greatest people and senators I have ever known. He was a hardworking true patriot."
ONE OF THE HARSHEST CRITICS OF TRUMP YEARS AGO
Following Trump's emotional message, Graham's past harsh statements came to the forefront again.
Speaking to CNN in 2015, Graham said of Donald Trump, "He is fueling racism, xenophobic, and a religious bigot. He does not represent my party."
Before the 2016 presidential elections, he warned the Republican Party in a post on his social media account, saying, "If we nominate Trump, we are doomed... And we deserve it."
BECAME ONE OF THE CLOSEST ALLIES
After Trump was elected president, the relationship between the two figures changed completely.
Graham gradually became one of Trump's strongest supporters in the Senate, and the pair frequently played golf together and acted jointly during many critical political processes.
The US press had described Graham as one of Trump's most loyal allies in Congress in recent years.
DIFFERED ON ONE ISSUE
Although he was one of the closest figures to Trump, Graham publicly criticized Trump's pardon of approximately 1,500 people involved in the January 6 Capitol riot.
The veteran senator warned that this decision could pave the way for similar incidents to occur again.