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Trump, Vance Lead Tributes After Lindsey Graham’s Death

Trump, Vance Lead Tributes After Lindsey Graham’s Death

“From Libya to Lebanon, no member of Congress traveled more to appreciate both the troops and bring ground truth back to legislating.”
Posted by Sunday, July 12, 2026 at 02:00pm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BwQJWl7VchU

Sen. Lindsey Graham, the South Carolina Republican who spent more than three decades in Congress, died Saturday after what his office described as a “brief and sudden illness.” He was 71.

Graham was one of the last of a vanishing breed in Washington, a senator who could stand on the Senate floor as a fierce Republican partisan, then turn around and cut a bipartisan deal, then board a plane to a war zone, all in the same week. Conservatives cheered him, fought him, and never quite knew what he’d do next. That was the point. Graham served eight years in the House before winning election to the Senate, where he served for 23 years. The former Air Force lawyer and JAG office became one of the Senate’s most consequential voices on national security, foreign policy, and the federal judiciary. 

Officials are calling it cardiac arrest, but his office has said nothing else. 

President Donald Trump called Graham “one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known” and a “true American Patriot” in a post following the announcement. Trump said additional information about funeral arrangements would be released later. 

South Carolina Republican Gov. Henry McMaster said Graham could not be replaced.

“Peggy and I—and our children—are devastated. Lindsey Graham is irreplaceable. The fiercest of fighters for South Carolina and America—and a loyal and steadfast friend. We grieve with Darline, his family and his devoted staff. May God hold him gently in the palm of his hand. We shall not see his likes again.” 

Vice President JD Vance remembered Graham as a formidable lawmaker with whom he frequently disagreed, particularly over Ukraine.

“Lindsey Graham came from humble beginnings and became one of the most powerful lawmakers in the most powerful nation on Earth. His story was a fundamentally American one.

Early in my Senate tenure, I remember getting into a shouting match with Lindsey about a Ukraine funding bill at lunch and then learning the very next day that he was pushing rail legislation I really cared about behind the scenes. That was Lindsey Graham. He fought like hell for the things he believed in, and he was just as willing to go to bat for you when it counted.

Lindsey had the best sense of humor in the Senate. He loved the game of politics. He was constantly asking which races were up and down, and how he could help.

We certainly had our disagreements. But I couldn’t help but like him. A one of a kind figure in our politics. I’ll be praying for him and his family.”

Sen. Tim Scott, South Carolina’s  Republican junior senator, mourned the loss of South Carolina’s more senior senator and his ally. 

“South Carolina lost a statesman and I’ve lost a friend. 

My prayers are with his sister and the rest of his family. 

From his humble beginnings to the Senate floor, Lindsey always led with faith, family, and South Carolina first.

Lindsey remained committed to public service and doing what he loved. He always introduced levity and brought wit to the most challenging moments.

Lindsey will be missed.”

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) praised Graham’s military and congressional service, his work on behalf of South Carolina, and his influence on national defense and the federal judiciary.

Thune said presidents and foreign leaders had relied on Graham’s counsel and that his influence would be felt for generations.

Tributes also came from Democrats who spent years working and arguing with Graham in the Senate.

Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) remembered Graham’s humor and enthusiasm.

Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) said he and Graham “disagreed on plenty over the years,” but he never questioned Graham’s love of country or commitment to public service.

“What I’ll remember just as much was Lindsey’s sense of humor. He had a quick wit, a sharp laugh, and an uncanny ability to break the tension with a well-timed joke or story. Even in the toughest moments, he never lost his ability to connect with people.”

Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL), who had traveled with Graham to Turkey for the NATO summit shortly before his death, lamented the loss of his colleague

“I was with Lindsey last week at the NATO Summit in Türkiye. At a private dinner at the Ambassador’s residence, he was working every Senator on a strategy to end the war in Ukraine. Typical Lindsey.

Lindsey was part of every important policy issue and an indispensable player in every Senate ‘gang.’ He was a fierce Republican partisan one day and a key bipartisan ally the next.”

Graham’s frequent travel and involvement in foreign affairs brought tributes from American diplomats and leaders overseas.

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz recalled first meeting Graham while both men were serving in the military.

“I first met Lindsey not as Senator, but as Colonel Graham in the Air National Guard. He insisted on spending his 3 weeks annual training in Afghanistan training Afghan Army JAG officers.

From Libya to Lebanon, no member of Congress traveled more to appreciate both the troops and bring ground truth back to legislating.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described Graham as a close friend of Israel and a personal friend.

“Lindsey understood that the security of Israel and America are inseparable. He devoted his life to defending America, strengthening our alliance and standing up for the free world.

Israel has lost one of its greatest friends. America has lost a great patriot. I have lost a beloved friend.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had met with Graham during the senator’s tenth visit to Ukraine shortly before his death. Graham had been discussing additional sanctions against Russia and Ukraine’s air-defense needs.

After Graham’s death was announced, Zelensky posted a heartfelt message.

“He visited Ukraine ten times during the years of Russia’s full-scale invasion and was here with our people when it was most needed. We remained in constant dialogue, and I will miss our conversations. We met twice in just the past week.

America and the world have lost a determined leader.”

Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran’s last shah, called Graham a steadfast friend of the Iranian people.

“At moments when moral clarity was required, Senator Graham stood on the right side. When friends were seldom found, he stood alongside the people of Iran in their struggle against tyranny.

His support for Iran’s Lion and Sun Revolution earned him the title “Uncle Lindsey” among Iranians. He will be remembered with profound gratitude and deep respect.”

Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson described Graham as “a great American patriot and friend of the United Kingdom.”

Johnson praised Graham as a defender of Western values who worked tirelessly in support of Ukraine. 

Graham had been scheduled to make television appearances Sunday following his return from Ukraine. NBC’s Kristen Welker, who had been preparing to interview him, joined the many political and media figures offering condolences.

Graham died as he had lived, in motion, still fighting. He had just left Ukraine. He had television appearances booked for Sunday. The Iranians called him “Uncle Lindsey.” The Israelis called him a great friend. The Ukrainians counted him as one of their own. For a senator from South Carolina, that is a remarkable thing to leave behind.

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Comments

oldschooltwentysix | July 12, 2026 at 2:29 pm

When people die, it shows how low society has sunk. Depressing to see. We are lucky there will not be another flood.

gonzotx | July 12, 2026 at 2:56 pm

Vance clearly didn’t know Lindsey on a level I believe Rubio did

I would like to hear from Rubio, who served with LG for many years.

    CommoChief in reply to gonzotx. | July 12, 2026 at 4:06 pm

    Indeed. Vance was a Senate colleague of Graham for only two years while Rubio spent 15 years in the Senate.

DSHornet | July 12, 2026 at 4:59 pm

And then there are the foul, disgusting things those who didn’t like him have had to say. Their sickening, classless comments show the world who and what they are.

Blessings for his family, friends, fellow senators, and staff.
.

    CommoChief in reply to DSHornet. | July 12, 2026 at 6:47 pm

    Yep. Whatever feelings someone has about Graham at minimum let it simmer until 72 hours after the funeral. None of the facts prior to his death are gonna change and there’s no reason to rush to vilify the man before then, other than a selfish desire to be first or the most edgy.

Alex deWynter | July 13, 2026 at 5:22 pm

I was not that fond of Lindsey Grahmnesty as a politician, but his death remains a tragedy.

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