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Sen. Lindsey Graham’s presidential relationship emblematic of Trump's willingness to mend fences
Upon Graham’s sudden death, Trump referred to him as “like a member of the family,” marking a remarkable transformation from fierce primary foes to steadfast friends and allies. Trump also called Graham a "true American Patriot."
On Saturday, Senator Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., died suddenly at his home in Washington, D.C. What followed from President Donald Trump highlighted both men's ability to move on from personal spats and create solid and genuinely amiable alliances.
"We'd play golf with each other or some other members, or we'd play with President Trump, and you know he was fun to be around. Very quick-witted, but loved politics. He'll be missed in a lot of ways. President Trump will miss him," Senator Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., told Just The News.
"I think Lindsey and the president kind of used each other when it came to politics, because Lindsey's one of the few up here that I've seen that was able to go into the back rooms and work with the Democrats."
As soon as the news was published, Trump posted his condolences on Truth Social: "Senator Lindsey Graham, one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known, is dead! He was always working, and was a true American Patriot. Lindsey will be greatly missed!!!"
Trump followed up that post by ordering the nation's flags to be lowered to half-mast for a full week, and further described the late senator's "remarkable life and achievements" and Graham as "a dear friend of mine, and a truly great man, who achieved so much for our Country, and his beloved Home State of South Carolina."
Trump and Graham: from enmity to unity
During the 2015-2016 Republican presidential primaries, Trump and Graham were bitter rivals and vocal enemies. Graham, then a candidate himself, sharply criticized Trump as a “race-baiting, xenophobic religious bigot” and warned that nominating him would destroy the GOP. “If we nominate Trump, we will get destroyed […] and we will deserve it," he said.
Trump retaliated fiercely, calling Graham a “lightweight,” “idiot,” “disgrace,” and “one of the dumbest human beings I’ve ever seen” at rallies in South Carolina. He even publicly read out Graham’s personal phone number (shared years earlier) at a 2015 event, prompting Graham to respond with a humorous ad destroying phones.
Graham dropped out early and initially opposed Trump, but their relationship evolved dramatically after Trump’s 2016 victory. Graham became a key Senate ally during Trump’s first term, collaborating on issues like Supreme Court nominations and foreign policy.
There was a notable rift after January 6, 2021, when Graham distanced himself from the riot at the Capitol, saying "count me out,” but by Trump’s second term, they had reconciled fully as golfing buddies and close political partners.
Graham emerged as one of Trump’s most vocal Senate supporters, championing legislation like the SAVE America Act and describing Trump as "not far from God” after the assassination attempt against the president.
Upon Graham’s sudden death, Trump referred to him as “like a member of the family,” marking a remarkable transformation from fierce primary foes to steadfast friends and allies.
Trump would later go on to establish a pattern of mocking or insulting his opponents, only to be surpassed by lavish praise.
Trump and Rubio were "con artist" and "little Marco"
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