Overview
- Senator Lindsey Graham died suddenly at age 71 shortly after returning from a trip to Ukraine, and his death has triggered renewed appraisals of his public life.
- Graham began the Trump era as a fierce critic, publicly denouncing Trump on national television in 2015 and refusing to endorse him in 2016.
- After Trump’s election their relationship warmed, with Graham publicly embracing the Trump movement, backing Trump in 2020, and visiting Mar‑a‑Lago.
- Following the January 6, 2021 insurrection Graham briefly said he was done with Trump but then resumed close contact and reportedly spoke with Trump nearly daily while serving as an informal adviser.
- Commentators say that Graham’s strong record on national security and vocal support for Ukraine complicate how history will judge his choice to reconcile with Trump and shape debates about Republican leadership going forward.