Trump Exploits Graham's Death on CNN to Push Agenda and Bash Democrats

President Donald Trump turned a tribute to the late Sen. Lindsey Graham into a platform for his agenda, promoting the SAVE America Act while slamming Democrats and taking shots at CNN during a phone interview on “State of the Union.”

Trump claimed he and Graham, once rivals but later allies, “essentially agreed on almost everything,” emphasizing Graham’s support for the SAVE America Act. He stated, “Where he was really becoming strong was the SAVE America Act.”

Host Jake Tapper visibly reacted to Trump’s comments, appearing skeptical.

Trump continued, “He was really — and I think he was going to be there very, very strongly under the filibuster,” referencing Graham’s opposition to ending the filibuster. He added that Graham believed in maintaining it due to upcoming budget and debt ceiling issues.

Shifting focus, Trump labeled Democrats as “deranged in many ways,” asserting they would fail in their efforts regarding the ongoing filibuster battle over the SAVE America Act, which seeks to impose strict voting regulations and proof-of-citizenship requirements.

Graham, who served as Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, publicly endorsed the SAVE America Act in February. Trump claimed that Graham reached out to him in his final hours to discuss the legislation.

“That’s what he called me about last time. I mean, to think of it, I just spoke to him just — he had already landed. He was probably at his place, I don’t know where he was. But I spoke to him and then I got a call a few hours later saying — late in the evening at two o’ clock in the morning, actually. But they found out about it, I think about eight o’clock about his problem,” Trump recounted.

He added, “So it had to be something very quick because he was fine when I spoke [to him] — other than being tired, he was fine.”

Trump didn’t miss the chance to take a jab at CNN before concluding the interview.

Tapper expressed a desire for Trump to return for further discussion, saying, “I know you don’t want to talk about any other issues out of respect for Lindsey Graham, but we would love to have you back sometime because I do have a lot of other questions for you, sir.”

Trump responded, “Sure, we’ll do that. We’ll do that. We’re trying to have CNN go on a normal path.”

Tapper countered, “Well, I’m on a normal path right here, sir, and I appreciate your time and thank you for calling in.”

“Good, you are,” Trump concluded.