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From staunch critic to fierce ally: Graham's long, strange and consequential friendship with Trump
🇺🇸 United States /Elections & Politics

From staunch critic to fierce ally: Graham's long, strange and consequential friendship with Trump

From PBS NewsHour · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • Senator Lindsey Graham, a prominent Republican, died at age 71.
  • Graham's political relationship with Donald Trump was marked by dramatic shifts, from sharp criticism to staunch defense.
  • Graham's office announced his death on Saturday night after a brief illness.

Senator Lindsey Graham, a significant figure in the Republican party, has died at the age of 71. His passing marks the end of a political career defined by a complex and often volatile relationship with former President Donald Trump.

Trump and I, we've had a hell of a journey. I hate it to end this way. Oh my God, I hate it. From my point of view, he's been a consequential president.

— Lindsey GrahamGraham's emotional reaction after the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021, as authorities cleared the chamber.

Graham's bond with Trump was characterized by dramatic reversals. Following the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot, Graham declared he was finished with Trump, stating, "All I can say is count me out. Enough is enough." However, this sentiment proved temporary. Graham soon reverted to being a staunch defender of Trump, recognizing the former president's enduring influence over the Republican party's future. He stated in May 2021, "Can we move forward without President Trump? The answer is no."

The relationship began with sharp antagonism during the 2016 presidential primaries. Graham initially deemed Trump "unfit for office" and was particularly angered by Trump's remarks about the military service of Sen. John McCain. The feud escalated to the point where Trump released Graham's personal phone number, prompting a viral video of Graham dramatically destroying multiple flip phones.

All I can say is count me out. Enough is enough.

— Lindsey GrahamGraham's statement following the Capitol riot, indicating a break with Trump.

Despite these early clashes, Graham became a frequent visitor to the White House and a key advisor to Trump on foreign policy, especially concerning Israel, Ukraine, and Iran. Deputy White House chief of staff Stephen Miller recalled their meetings as "filled with camaraderie, kinship and uproarious laughter."

Can we move forward without President Trump? The answer is no. I've determined we can't grow without him.

— Lindsey GrahamGraham's statement in May 2021, four months after the Jan. 6 attack, explaining his continued support for Trump.

Trump expressed shock at Graham's death, calling him "a true American Patriot" and remarking, "He was like a member of the family." Graham's office announced his death on Saturday night, citing a "brief and sudden illness."

Trump called Graham a "true American Patriot."

— Donald TrumpTrump's social media post reacting to Graham's death.
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Originally published by PBS NewsHour. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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