President Donald Trump ordered U.S. flags to be flown at half-staff nationwide following the death of Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) on Monday [1], [2].
The gesture recognizes the loss of a longtime public servant and a close political ally of the president. Graham's death marks the departure of a prominent figure in South Carolina politics and the U.S. Senate.
Graham died Saturday night, July 13, 2026 [2]. A spokesperson for the senator's office said he died following a brief and sudden illness [3]. He was 71 years old [1].
Hours after the announcement of his death, the president issued the proclamation to lower flags. While some reports indicated the order applied specifically to South Carolina state flags [4], other reports said all U.S. flags nationwide were ordered to be lowered [1], [3].
President Trump praised the late senator in a tribute, calling him "a truly great man" [3]. The order serves as a formal recognition of Graham's tenure and his relationship with the administration.
Graham's office did not provide further details regarding the nature of the illness that led to his death. The flags will remain at half-staff as the nation prepares for memorial services for the senator [2].
“"a truly great man"”
The decision to lower flags nationwide, rather than limiting the honor to Graham's home state of South Carolina, underscores the senator's significant influence within the federal government and his personal proximity to the president. Such a gesture is typically reserved for figures of substantial national impact or high-ranking officials.
