‘A Tough One to Lose’: Reactions to the Death of Sen. Lindsey Graham

“We have lost a gentleman from an older era of civility and selflessness.” So wrote Harmeet K. Dhillon, deputy attorney general for Civil Rights on the surprise death of South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham.

Graham, a Republican, died Saturday evening at the age of 71 after what his office called a “brief and sudden illness.” His death sent shockwaves across Washington, South Carolina, and indeed the world.

“He’s a tough one to lose,” said President Donald Trump.

Former President Joe Biden, a longtime colleague of Graham’s in both the House and Senate, expressed his condolences. “We disagreed often, and sometimes loudly,” Biden posted on X.

“Lindsey and I did agree on the profound importance of public service,” the former president added, “Like me, he loved the Senate as an institution, even with all its flaws and complexities.”

The Vice President Shares a Story

“We certainly had our disagreements. But I couldn’t help but like him,” Vice President JD Vance posted on X. “A one of a kind figure in our politics”.

Vance shared a story about an encounter with Graham while a freshman senator from Ohio.

Early in my Senate tenure, I remember getting into a shouting match with Lindsey about a Ukraine funding bill at lunch and then learning the very next day that he was pushing rail legislation I really cared about behind the scenes. That was Lindsey Graham. He fought like hell for the things he believed in, and he was just as willing to go to bat for you when it counted

The Senate Reacts

Graham’s Senate colleagues were quick to share their grief and memories of the man known as much on Capitol Hill for his warmth and wit as his unwavering defense of national security.

“My heart is heavy this morning to learn of the passing of my friend and colleague,” Senate Majority Leader John Thune posted on X.  “He believed in the might of America to achieve good in the world and dedicated his life to advancing that cause.”

Fellow South Carolinian Sen. Tim Scott mourned the loss of his close friend.

“From his humble beginnings to the Senate floor, Lindsey always led with faith, family, and South Carolina first,” Scott said. “Lindsey remained committed to public service and doing what he loved. He always introduced levity and brought wit to the most challenging moments. Lindsey will be missed.”

Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, also commented on Graham’s warmth and wit, saying, “I loved serving with Lindsey and will miss his infectious laugh, quick wit, and enthusiasm for life.”

Sharing an image of the two laughing together, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, called Graham a “fearless patriot” and “one of the fiercest advocates for America’s national security.”

“His friendship, his sparkling humor, and his unwavering commitment to our nation will be deeply missed.”

Condolences also came from across the aisle. Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar remembered her “friend,” noting his rough upbringing, which included the death of both his parents at a young age.

“The United States Senate lost a foreign policy giant,” Sen. John Fetterman posted. “On a personal level, he had always been kind, gracious, and thoughtful.”

Leaders of Ukraine, Israel Offer Praise

Foreign policy was, as Fetterman noted, Graham’s bread and butter. His impact on the global stage is seen in the strong reaction from nations he championed.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy commended Graham for having been “with our people when it was most needed.”

The senator had just returned from another trip to Ukraine, where he toured a drone factory, announced a new Russia sanctions bill, and met with Zelenskyy and other Ukrainian officials.

Graham, he said, was “a true defender of freedom and the values that make the world safer.”

That included remaining up to the end a steadfast ally of Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saluted Graham for his support of the Jewish State and personal friendship.

“Lindsey understood that the security of Israel and America are inseparable. He devoted his life to defending America, strengthening our alliance and standing up for the free world,” Netayahu said on X. “Israel has lost one of its greatest friends. America has lost a great patriot. I have lost a beloved friend.”

Later, in a Sunday morning interview on Fox News, Netanyahu noted how Graham wasn’t shy in expressing his views.

“There was no BS. He just was so direct,” Netanyahu said. “And if he wanted to tell you something that you may not like, he would just do it.”

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee saluted Graham’s defense of the Jewish state and added, “I’m going to personally miss his outrageous sense of humor.”

South Carolina Mourns Its Native Son

As hard as Graham fought globally, he remained a vocal advocate back home for the Palmetto State. He was, as Rep. Ralph Norman called him, “a son of South Carolina who loved our state dearly.”

“He loved our country, but he loved South Carolina, and he loved going home,” South Carolina native and Fox News anchor Ainsley Earhardt summarized.

Rep. Joe Wilson, who has already expressed interest in being named to Graham’s seat, said Graham “will always be cherished as an American Patriot.”

Rep. Russell Fry called the “unexpected loss” of Graham “difficult to comprehend,” adding that Graham was “an extraordinary public servant” and a “consequential leader.”

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster, who will have the task of appointing an interim senator, said Graham is “irreplaceable.”

“The fiercest of fighters for South Carolina and America — and a loyal and steadfast friend,” McMaster said. “We grieve with Darline, his family and his devoted staff. May God hold him gently in the palm of his hand. We shall not see his likes again.”