Trump Reveals Lindsey Graham’s “Last Wish” Following Senator’s Death

President Donald Trump has described what he says was his final conversation with Sen. Lindsey Graham, recalling the South Carolina Republican’s last political priority before his sudden death Saturday night at 71. Speaking Sunday on NBC’s Meet the Press, Trump said Graham was “like a member of the family” and that the two spoke by phone hours before the senator died. According to Trump, Graham called to press for passage of the SAVE America Act, legislation he co-sponsored in the Senate. “He actually said he was tired, but he wanted to pass the SAVE America Act, and I said, ‘Well, we’re going to get it done, Lindsey. We’re going to get it done. I’ll see you, like, soon,’” Trump said. The bill has cleared the U.S. House of Representatives three times but has stalled in the Senate, where the filibuster means it would need 60 votes to advance.

In a separate Sunday interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper, Trump pointed to Graham’s forceful defense of Brett Kavanaugh during the Supreme Court confirmation fight as what he viewed as the senator’s defining moment in Congress. Graham’s office, which has represented South Carolina in the Senate since 2002, announced early Sunday that he had died after “a brief and sudden illness.” Multiple reports said a 911 call for “cardiac arrest” was made from Graham’s residence at about 8:30 p.m., though officials have not confirmed an official cause of death.

Trump first reacted to the news in a Truth Social post shortly after Graham’s death was announced, offering an emotional tribute to one of his most loyal Senate allies. “Senator Lindsey Graham, one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known, is dead! He was always working, and was a true American Patriot. Lindsey will be greatly missed!!! DETAILS AND ARRANGEMENTS TO FOLLOW. So sad!,” Trump wrote. Graham was a reliable vote for Trump’s agenda in the Senate, while also carving out a prominent role on foreign policy. He was an outspoken supporter of Ukraine and Israel and frequently advised Trump on matters involving Russia and Iran.

The two men’s political partnership had been on public display earlier in 2025. In late March, a little more than a month after Trump returned to the White House, the president issued a lengthy endorsement of Graham and called him “a wonderful friend.” Trump praised Graham’s work as chair of the Senate Budget Committee, writing that the senator was “fighting tirelessly to Grow the Economy, Lower Taxes, and Eliminate Government Waste.”

Trump’s endorsement also highlighted Graham’s support for the administration’s priorities on immigration, defense and energy. “Lindsey is also relentlessly focused on helping us Secure the Border, Stop Migrant Crime, Strongly Support our Great Military/Vets, Promote American Energy DOMINANCE, defend our always under siege Second Amendment, and ensure PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH,” Trump wrote. The endorsement remains pinned to Graham’s official X account. In his response, Graham thanked Trump and described both a political alliance and a personal bond. “On a professional level, I am proud to have been there at the beginning when President Trump — through sheer force of will — achieved the greatest political comeback in American history,” Graham wrote in part. “On a personal level, I genuinely enjoy our friendship.”

“He’s an awesome golfing buddy, who I have yet to beat,” Graham added at the time. His death came only days after he traveled to Ukraine and met with President Volodymyr Zelensky to discuss Russia’s ongoing invasion. That meeting is believed to have produced the final public images of the senator. There had been no known public concerns about Graham’s health before the trip. Afterward, Graham said he had reached an agreement with Trump to move forward on bipartisan legislation aimed at countries purchasing Russian energy, a step that could increase pressure on Moscow over the war.

At the time of his death, Graham was serving as chairman of the Senate Budget Committee and was also a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, the Senate Judiciary Committee and the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. He had applauded Trump’s decision last year to strike Iranian nuclear sites and remained a supporter of the latest conflict that began several months ago. His positions on the world stage were underscored by swift public condolences from Israeli and Ukrainian leaders, both of whom recognized Graham as a determined advocate for their countries.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu mourned Graham in a post on X, writing: “Israel has lost one of its greatest friends. America has lost a great patriot. I have lost a beloved friend.” Netanyahu added that Graham “understood that the security of Israel and America are inseparable” and had devoted his life to “defending America, strengthening our alliance and standing up for the free world.” Zelensky also paid tribute on social media, calling Graham “a staunch advocate for bipartisan and bicameral support for Ukraine” and noting that in recent weeks he had been working on initiatives that could “help bring peace closer,” including tougher sanctions on Russia.

‘We will always be especially grateful for the recognition of our people and words of admiration for the courage of Ukraine’s defenders. America and the world have lost a determined leader.’ Former President George Bush also released a statement saying he and his wife were ‘saddened’ by the ‘shocking news of Senator Lindsey Graham’s death.’ ‘He was a knowledgeable senator who understood how the world works and how important America’s international engagement is to resist tyranny. He was a kind and funny man who loved our country and loved serving it,’ Bush wrote.

‘South Carolina was fortunate to have such a committed public servant in its corner. And I was fortunate to have known Lindsey Graham,’ the former president added. Before serving in the Senate, Graham was elected to the House of Representatives in 1994. For decades, his status as a long-term bachelor who never married or had children fueled rumours about his sexuality, though he consistently and firmly denied being gay and regularly opposed pro-LGBTQ+ legislation. As a member of the House in the 1990s, he backed policies aimed at isolating Iran and limiting its missile and nuclear programs.

Graham also served in the United States Air Force with a six-and-a-half-year stint on active duty as an Air Force lawyer. He then went on to join the South Carolina Air National Guard until 1995, during which time he was called to active duty in the Gulf War. He enlisted in the Air Force reserves, where he achieved the rank of Colonel before he retired in June 2015. Born in July 1955 in Central, Pickens County, Graham came from humble beginnings and was the first member of his family to go to college. He earned his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of South Carolina and was a practising Baptist.