Trump Says Lindsey Graham Had Only ‘One Bad Moment’ In Their Long Friendship
President Donald Trump reflected on his decades-long friendship with the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, saying the South Carolina Republican had only “one bad moment” during their relationship following Graham’s sudden death at age 71.
Speaking during an interview on Fox & Friends, Trump said the only time Graham seriously disappointed him came in the aftermath of the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, when the senator publicly distanced himself from the president and declared on the Senate floor, “Count me out. Enough is enough.”
Trump said Graham quickly regretted those remarks and personally called him soon afterward to apologize. According to Trump, the senator admitted he had made a mistake and reaffirmed his support, allowing the two to repair their relationship almost immediately.
The president said that aside from that brief disagreement, Graham was one of the Republican Party’s most loyal and effective leaders. Trump praised the senator’s political instincts, describing him as one of the best politicians in Washington and saying he always fought hard for conservative causes.
“I’d give him a 99.9 out of 100,” Trump said, explaining that the deduction reflected only Graham’s brief criticism after January 6. He added that “a lot of people are 100,” but said Graham’s overall record and loyalty earned him one of the highest ratings possible.
Trump also recalled how their relationship evolved after the heated 2016 Republican presidential primary. Although the two frequently traded insults during the campaign, Trump said they became close allies once Graham ended his White House bid, eventually speaking regularly on legislative priorities, judicial nominations, and national security.
The president said Graham remained focused on advancing Republican priorities until the very end. He noted that the senator had recently been working on sanctions against Russia, supporting Israel, and strengthening America’s national defense before his unexpected death.
Graham died Saturday at the age of 71 from an apparent aortic dissection linked to underlying cardiovascular disease, according to preliminary findings from the District of Columbia medical examiner. His death prompted an outpouring of tributes from lawmakers, foreign leaders, and longtime friends across the political spectrum.