Trump Hijacks Meet the Press After Lindsey Graham's Sudden Death
President Donald Trump commandeered NBC’s Meet the Press following the shocking death of Senator Lindsey Graham, who passed away unexpectedly late Saturday. The announcement of Graham's death came just after 2 a.m. Sunday, prompting Trump to make a last-minute call into the program.
Graham was set to make his 64th appearance on the show, a platform he frequented over decades. NBC’s Kristen Welker, the program’s moderator, noted the senator's long-standing relationship with the network.
In a lengthy interview, Trump revealed he had spoken with Graham mere hours before his death, around 1 a.m. They discussed Trump's legislative priority, the SAVE America Act, which Graham was reportedly advocating for vigorously. Just prior to his death, Graham had returned from Ukraine, where he met with President Volodymyr Zelensky.
“He was like a member of the family to me,” Trump stated, expressing disbelief at the sudden loss. He had even considered meeting with Graham that very day.
Trump recounted their last conversation, noting that Graham “sounded tired” but attributed it to his recent overseas trip. “He actually said he was tired,” Trump recalled, emphasizing Graham's dedication to his work.
“It was around the time — it couldn’t have been much longer. It could have been his last call, I don’t know,” Trump added, reflecting on the gravity of their final exchange.
Staffers confirmed that there were no signs of illness or medical issues prior to Graham's death at 71. Trump hinted at a potential replacement for Graham’s Senate seat but refrained from naming anyone out of respect for the senator.
Trump characterized Graham as a Senate icon, loyal and effective in bridging partisan divides. “He was such an advocate,” Trump said, highlighting Graham's ability to negotiate with both Democrats and Republicans.
Trump pointed to Graham’s fiery defense of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh as a defining moment in his Senate career. “His moment on Brett Kavanaugh was one of the classics in the history of the Senate,” Trump declared.
Graham had been a member of the Senate since 2003 and was expected to win re-election decisively. Trump humorously remarked that he told Graham he wouldn’t be able to handle life if he lost.
Their relationship had its ups and downs, including a tearful repudiation from Graham after the January 6 attack on Congress in 2021. They were once rivals during the 2016 Republican primary but eventually forged a strong friendship.
“I got to know Lindsey during the campaign,” Trump explained, noting how their bond strengthened over time. “He was tough. But he respected it.”
Graham remained a staunch supporter of Trump post-presidency, especially regarding foreign policy matters. He emerged as a key ally during military operations against perceived threats in the Caribbean and Iran.
During another Meet the Press interview in March, Graham clashed with Welker over military strategies against Iran.
On CNN’s State of the Union, Trump engaged in his first extended interview with the network in months, addressing their contentious history. He expressed hope for a more normalized relationship with CNN under new ownership.
Welker indicated that Graham would likely advocate for increased military pressure on Iran during his scheduled appearance on her show. The senator had been a vocal proponent of aggressive U.S. actions against Iran, particularly following recent escalations in the Strait of Hormuz.
Graham had previously called for significant military operations against Iran, including blockades and potential invasions related to oil industry disputes.
