President Donald Trump revealed that he spoke with the late Senator Lindsey Graham just hours before his death, describing him as tired but otherwise well. The two discussed the 'Save America Act’ and planned to meet the following day.
Graham, a prominent Republican senator from South Carolina and one of the leading foreign policy hawks in Congress, died suddenly after returning from his tenth trip to Ukraine. According to his office, the cause was a 'short and sudden illness.’ Emergency services were called to his home after reports of cardiac arrest.
– It’s devastating. I thought he was fine. He called me last night, just came back from Ukraine. He was full of energy. He was tired, he said: 'I’m tired because it’s a long trip,’ but otherwise he felt good – Trump told CNN. The president added that Graham called him early in the evening and medical crews arrived shortly after. Trump learned of the senator’s death during the night.
A friendship forged in political rivalry
Trump recalled that he first met Graham a decade ago when both sought the Republican presidential nomination. – It was a nasty campaign. He was tough and mean, but I was mean too, and it ended well – Trump said. Over time, the former rivals became close allies, with Graham emerging as one of Trump’s most loyal supporters in the Senate.
– He was a tough guy, but also a natural politician who got along with everyone – Trump said in an interview with NBC. The president highlighted Graham’s rare ability among Republicans to reach across the aisle. – If I had a really big problem with a Democrat, he could handle it. That’s something most Republicans can’t do – Trump added.
Diverging views on Ukraine and foreign policy
Trump acknowledged that he and Graham differed on some issues, particularly the war in Ukraine, which Graham had just visited before his death. – We differed a little. I wanted the war in Ukraine to end very quickly. I think he was more for keeping it going. Frankly, he was very, very hawkish on that – Trump said.
– I operated on the assumption that 25,000 people die every month. I didn’t like that – Trump added, while noting that both were 'strong on the military,’ though they 'used it a little differently.’ Both were also staunch supporters of Israel. Graham, known for his hardline stance against Russia and Iran, was one of the Senate’s most vocal advocates for aid to Ukraine.
Trump singled out what he called Graham’s 'greatest moment’ – the senator’s emotional defense of Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh during the 2018 Senate hearings. – It was one of the classic moments in Senate history. It turned the whole thing around and secured Kavanaugh’s confirmation – Trump said.
Źródło: Polsat News, Fot. Polsat News
