President Donald Trump said on Sunday that he spoke with Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) shortly before the South Carolina Republican died on Saturday, describing a final call that came after Graham returned from Ukraine and was focused on legislative work.
Graham's office said Sunday he died after a brief and sudden illness, a closing chapter for a retired Air Force Reserve colonel.
During an interview with NBC News, Trump recounted that Graham told him, "We're all set for the SAVE America Act," and said the senator "sounded a little tired." The call came around 7 p.m., he said.
How Graham's Death Shapes Washington Politics
Graham's sudden absence could affect the fate of bills he was championing and complicate Senate efforts to advance several national security measures. Trump said he and Graham even expected to see each other soon, adding, "It could have been his last call."
Graham's office said he died at 71 and asked for privacy for his family, repeating the line, "Senator Graham's family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period."
Graham had already secured the Republican nomination for another Senate term after winning the June 9 primary, with Trump celebrating the result as a "BIG WIN."
Graham stayed active in the days before his death, including rolling out bipartisan legislation tied to Russia sanctions on Friday. That late push came from a lawmaker whose career also included high-profile foreign policy positions, including strong support for the Iraq War and repeated calls for U.S. military action against Iran.
What This Means For Upcoming Legislation
According to Trump, the SAVE America Act was front of mind in Graham's last conversation with him, with the president saying the senator was pressing it hard. Trump also described Graham as relentless about work and said the pair had been considering meeting the same day.
Graham served on the Judiciary and Appropriations committees and chaired the Senate Budget Committee.
