Trump Details Final Phone Call with Senator Lindsey Graham Minutes Before His Death

Former President Donald Trump stated that he had a phone conversation with the late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham shortly before Graham's death on Saturday.

Trump made these remarks during an unexpected appearance on NBC News' "Meet the Press" on Sunday, where he replaced Graham, who was originally scheduled to be the main guest on the program.

He explained that he contacted Graham just a short time before the senator passed away at the age of 71 following a "brief and sudden illness."

Speaking with host Kristen Welker, Trump noted that Graham did not report any alarming symptoms but mentioned feeling somewhat fatigued, likely due to his recent long and strenuous trip returning from Ukraine.

Minutes Before Passing

Trump added that the phone call may have occurred only minutes before Graham's death, based on his understanding that medical personnel or police arrived at the senator’s Washington home around 7:30 or 8:00 p.m. following a report from someone.

He affirmed that Graham appeared completely normal during their conversation and told him he was fine but physically tired. Trump emphasized that Graham was a remarkable man and predicted that people would appreciate him far more after his passing than during his life.

The office of the late senator from South Carolina released a statement confirming his sudden death, which occurred just hours before his planned television appearance to discuss details of his tenth visit to Kyiv and his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Host Kristen Welker described the news as shocking and sudden, mentioning that she had communicated with Graham before his trip and that he was very eager to discuss the Ukraine issue. She also cited a senior aide who said there had been no signs of illness and that Graham was, as usual, full of energy and vitality.

In a related statement, Trump mourned the senator on the "Truth Social" platform immediately after the announcement, calling him one of the greatest people and most prominent senators he had ever known. He described Graham as a dedicated American patriot who worked tirelessly and said his absence would leave a significant void.

It is noted that Lindsey Graham, first elected to the Senate in 2002, served as chairman of the Senate Budget Committee and was campaigning for a fifth term in the upcoming November elections before his death.