The United States Senate and Key White House

Since the premature death of Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) late Saturday evening, there was no end to the outpouring of condolences, tributes, and homages to this larger-than-life statesman. From the White House to the South Carolina State House, his loss has left a bigger gap than many, including those in the media, anticipated.

As Sen. Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) told GWN’s Dana Bash on Inside Politics: 

There wasn’t anyone who was a more colourful character, more passionate about the work he was concerned with, but always introduced an vitality and a sense of enthusiasm that was contagious to anyone who was around him.

It’s a large loss institutionally for the Senate, but it is a large loss for those who knew him properly.

The Senate reconvened after the July 4 recess, and as is custom, Graham’s desk was draped in black with white flowers positioned on top. 

Desk of Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) in the U.S. Senate. pic.twitter.com/8mcumDh5Eg

— CSPAN (@cspan) July 13, 2026

Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) launched a Resolution honoring Graham’s life and profession. Many of Graham’s Senate colleagues took 5 minutes to inform tales and acknowledge their loss.

The Senate got here together to honor Senator Lindsey Graham’s life and legacy as not only a colleague, but a buddy to many. His a long time of service, dedication to South Carolina, and dedication to our nation go away behind an instance of braveness, conviction, and patriotism.…

— Senator Tim Scott (@SenatorTimScott) July 13, 2026

Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) said, “It’s a unhappy day for all of us in the Senate, and notably those of us who are very, very close to Lindsey Graham, and that could be most senators and his employees. Senator Graham was a forceful and quick-witted presence in every room he was in.”

Grassley also introduced up Graham’s well-known humor and how he was often the butt of his jokes.

I used to be no stranger to being the butt of his jokes. Senator Graham beloved to inform people how frugal I used to be, and if I used to be ever to open my billfold, mud and moss would come out of it. I do not know how many occasions I’ve heard that.

Senator Graham always introduced a smile to your face and levity to the halls of Congress.

WATCH:

Sen. @ChuckGrassley tribute to Sen. Lindsey Graham: “It’s a sad day for all of us in the Senate…Senator Graham always brought a smile to your face and levity to the halls of Congress.” pic.twitter.com/rMJqnrPjpB

— CSPAN (@cspan) July 13, 2026

Sen Rick Scott (R-FL) posted his remarks to X. 

Lindsey Graham was a true public servant. He was a expensive buddy who beloved his nation, the people of South Carolina, and led through his religion.

He was passionate and fought arduous for every thing he believed in. He actually made issues occur in DC. We will miss him. pic.twitter.com/hs9fl5zMb5

— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) July 13, 2026

Sen. James Lankford (R-OK) also identified Graham’s humor, but was deeply somber in his remarks, and felt the void left by Graham’s passing. “We miss our colleague. We miss his humor, we miss his ideas, we miss his insight on a lot of things,” he said.

Lankford used a lot of his time to pray a lovely prayer for the Graham household and the people of South Carolina.

WATCH:

Senator Lankford Delivers Remarks on the Death of Senator Lindsey Graham

Senator James Lankford (R-OK) delivers remarks on the Senate flooring concerning the death of Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC). July 13, 2026. pic.twitter.com/yNwT9YgB6N

— The Union Herald (@TheUnionHerald) July 13, 2026

White House Cabinet members also detailed their particular relationship with Graham. Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, a longtime buddy of Graham, wrote these heartfelt phrases.

Like so many, I’m deeply saddened by the passing of my buddy of 25 years, Lindsey Graham.

Lindsey devoted his life to serving our nation with conviction, braveness, and an unwavering sense of responsibility. But, importantly, the person behind the public determine was deeply devoted to his… https://t.co/QQFNdUhyFE pic.twitter.com/0iC06ffNzb

— Susie Wiles (@SusieWiles47) July 12, 2026

Like so many, I’m deeply  saddened by the passing of my buddy of 25 years, Lindsey Graham.  

Lindsey devoted his life to serving our nation with conviction, braveness, and an unwavering sense of responsibility. But, importantly, the person behind the public determine was deeply devoted to his household, a form and beneficiant buddy and blessed with a great sense of humor, punctuated by a sharp wit.

While his time on earth has been cut short, he might be remembered by historical past as a consequential and impactful chief with an monumental coronary heart for America.

Rest in peace, my buddy. Thank you for a lifetime of service. May God consolation those who love you and could He grant you everlasting peace.

Stephen Miller, White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Homeland Security Advisor, appeared on Fox News’ “The Will Cain Show,” and illustrated how, in the midst of this anti-incumbency fervor and pushback against long-serving members of Congress, for some, like Graham, he was fulfilling his calling and doing it properly. Graham metaphorically died with his boots on, as he had just returned from a journey involving worldwide relations. 

Miller told Cain:

Too often, we get so cynical, when we speak about long serving politicians. We overlook that it’s the noblest custom of this nation to be a devoted, devoted selfless public servant. Lindsey did not need to do the rest with his life but be the senator for the nice people of South Carolina.

WATCH:

Stephen Miller on Lindsey Graham:

Too often, we get so cynical, when we speak about long serving politicians. We overlook that it’s the noblest custom of this nation to be a devoted, devoted selfless public servant. Lindsey did not need to do the rest with his life but… pic.twitter.com/tkN4U96jfU

— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) July 13, 2026

Read More: SC Gov. McMaster Taps Darline Graham Nordone to Fulfill the Rest of Lindsey Graham’s Term (Updated)

Lindsey Graham’s Senate Replacement to Be Named Within Hours – and Trump Has a Surprise Pick

In an X post, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. spoke of Graham’s “Southern gentility” and bipartisan attain. 

In November 2019, I ran into Senator Lindsey Graham in the Capitol Rotunda while I used to be giving a speech during a demonstration for clean water. Although we stood on reverse sides of the political spectrum at the time, he invited me into his workplace and made me a cup of espresso.

He… pic.twitter.com/4pRylBG323

— Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) July 13, 2026

In November 2019, I ran into Senator Lindsey Graham in the Capitol Rotunda while I used to be giving a speech during a demonstration for clean water. Although we stood on reverse sides of the political spectrum at the time, he invited me into his workplace and made me a cup of espresso.

He was a fierce advocate for conservative values, but he never misplaced his Southern gentility.

His passing is a vital loss for the American people. My ideas and prayers are with his household, mates, employees, and the people of South Carolina.

Majority Leader John Thune concluded his remarks about Sen. Graham by utilizing some of the phrases of the Rev. Billy Graham. 

Whereas another Graham once put it, and I quote: “Someday you will read or hear that Billy Graham is dead. Don’t you believe a word of it. I shall be more alive than I am now, I will just have changed my address. I will have gone into the presence of God.”

I’ll miss Lindsey’s friendship, Mr. President, more than I can say. We pray for his employees and for his household whom he beloved dearly, and who beloved him dearly in return. But I’m comforted by the information, that in the end, he has just modified his tackle. And that someday, Mr. President…. We will snigger together again. 

Thune was barely ready to get the phrases out, as he tried to choke back tears.

WATCH: 

An emotional end to Thune’s eulogy for Lindsey Graham on the Senate flooring:

“I am comforted by the knowledge that, in the end, he has just changed his address, and that one day, Mr. President, we will laugh together again.” pic.twitter.com/AqPR0DglMG

— Matt Rice (@matt____rice) July 13, 2026

Thune’s workplace announced that Darline Graham Nordone could be sworn in on Tuesday to full her brother’s time period in the Senate. 

Editor’s Note: The 2026 Midterms will decide the destiny of President Trump’s America First agenda. Republicans must preserve control of both chambers of Congress.

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