Trump privately asked if Lindsey Graham’s demanding travel schedule contributed to his death: Report | Today’s news
US President Donald Trump was deeply shaken by the sudden death of Senator Lindsey Graham and privately questioned whether the veteran’s demanding international travel schedule may have contributed to his death, The Washington Post reported.
According to news reports, Trump did not expect Graham to die first. At 71, the South Carolina Republican was nearly a decade younger than the president and remained an active presence in Washington and on the international stage until his death earlier this month.
Trump has repeatedly reflected on Graham’s death
The Washington Post, citing two people familiar with Trump’s private conversations, said the president returned to the topic repeatedly in the days after Graham’s death.
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Trump has privately questioned whether Lindsey Graham’s demanding international travel schedule contributed to his sudden death.
Trump was shocked because, at 71, Graham was almost a decade younger than him and had been a vigorous presence in Washington and abroad until his unexpected death.
Trump linked Graham’s death to a family history of heart disease, noting that Graham’s father died around the same age.
Although not definitive, Trump’s speculation about Graham’s travel schedule suggests that the physical toll of such demands may be a relevant factor in politicians’ health.
Trump is scheduled to deliver the eulogy at Graham’s funeral service at the Washington National Cathedral.
Trump reportedly expressed surprise that someone as active as Graham could die so suddenly, privately wondering if the senator’s extensive travel schedule — including a trip to Ukraine shortly before his death — had taken a physical toll.
The report said Trump also looked for possible explanations by considering Graham’s family history and genetic factors.
Public notes referred to family history
Trump linked Graham’s death to the senator’s family history of heart disease during a July 13 interview with Newsmax.
“His father died around the same age,” Trump said.
“I’m a supporter of the racehorse theory,” he added, referring to the idea that traits like physical strength and stamina can be inherited.
The president seemed subdued after the senator’s death
According to the news outlet, people close to the president said Trump appeared noticeably depressed after Graham’s death.
The report said Trump asked those close to him if Graham’s constant travel — including his return from Ukraine shortly before his death — might have contributed to his sudden passing.
Officials also said Graham’s highly visible public schedule and active political campaign in the days before his death made the loss particularly shocking to Trump and members of his administration.
A close political and personal relationship
Graham became one of Trump’s closest political allies after initially opposing his 2016 presidential campaign.
The South Carolina senator has emerged as one of the president’s strongest defenders in Congress over the years, making frequent media appearances to support the administration’s agenda.
Beyond politics, the two shared a personal friendship and were regular golfing partners, with Graham becoming one of the constants in Trump’s political life.
Trump will give a eulogy
Trump is scheduled to give the eulogy at Graham’s funeral service at the Washington National Cathedral on Tuesday.
Senior US officials and foreign leaders, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, are expected to attend the memorial, reflecting Graham’s influence on US foreign policy and national security.
Graham died on July 11 at the age of 71. Preliminary findings indicated that the probable cause of death was a ruptured aorta. He had recently returned from a NATO summit in Türkiye and a visit to Ukraine before his sudden death.
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