President Donald Trump praised the late U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) as a great politician following the senator's death [1].
The tribute marks a rare public admission of professional admiration from the president toward a political peer, highlighting the close bond between the two men.
Trump spoke about Graham during televised interviews with CNN and "Meet the Press," as well as in a video shared by CBS News [2]. During these appearances, Trump said Graham was a great politician and a true friend [3].
"Lindsey Graham was a great politician... You've probably never heard me say that about somebody," Trump said [4].
Reports regarding the exact timing of the president's remarks vary. Some sources state the tribute occurred on Monday, July 13 [1], while other reports indicate the statements were made on Sunday morning, July 12 [5].
The White House also issued a formal release in July 2026 to honor the life and legacy of the senator [6]. This official statement accompanied the president's public comments regarding his personal relationship with Graham.
Trump said that he had spoken with Graham shortly before the senator died [5]. The president's remarks emphasize a level of respect for Graham's political skill that Trump rarely extends to others in the political sphere [4].
“He was a great politician and a true friend.”
The public nature of this tribute underscores the significant influence Senator Graham held as a key ally and strategist for President Trump. By explicitly stating that he rarely calls others 'great politicians,' Trump signaled that Graham's political acumen was uniquely valued within his inner circle, framing the senator's legacy as one of exceptional skill and loyalty.
