Trump Recalls Final Phone Call With Lindsey Graham Before Senator’s Death

President Donald Trump shared details of his final conversation with Sen. Lindsey Graham, saying the longtime South Carolina Republican sounded tired but was in good spirits just hours before his unexpected death at age 71.

Speaking in an interview Sunday, Trump said he spoke with Graham on the evening before the senator died. The two discussed the SAVE America Act and other legislative priorities, and Trump said nothing during the call suggested Graham was facing a serious medical emergency.

“He sounded a little tired,” Trump said, “but otherwise he sounded fine.” Trump added that Graham remained focused on his work and was optimistic about advancing key Republican priorities.

Graham died Saturday after what his office described as a “brief and sudden illness.” Officials have not released an official cause of death, though emergency responders were called to his Washington residence after reports of a medical emergency.

Trump described Graham as “family” and said the senator had become one of his closest political allies over the past several years. Although the two clashed during the 2016 Republican presidential primary, they later developed a close friendship and worked together on judicial appointments, national security, immigration, and foreign policy.

The president praised Graham’s political instincts, calling him a “natural politician” and a “tough cookie” who knew how to work with people from both parties. Trump said Graham’s experience and willingness to fight for conservative priorities made him one of the Senate’s most effective lawmakers.

Trump also revealed that he already has someone in mind to succeed Graham in the Senate but declined to identify a potential replacement. Under South Carolina law, the governor will appoint an interim senator until a special election is held.

Reflecting on Graham’s passing, Trump said he was shocked by how suddenly events unfolded and called the senator’s death a tremendous loss for South Carolina, the Republican Party, and the country. He said Graham’s legacy of public service and commitment to national defense would be remembered for years to come.