Foreign-policy hawk, Trump ally: Lindsey Graham’s legacy
episodePreviously titled “How Lindsey Graham transformed under Trump” — renamed by the publisher on Aug 2, 2026
Transcript
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What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
Good morning.
What were the first reactions to Senator Lindsey Graham’s sudden death?
Politicians at home and abroad pay tribute to Senator Lindsey Graham, who has died suddenly at 71. Iran and the U.S. escalate strikes in the Gulf. The Wall Street Journal explains how the peace agreement left the door open for further attacks.
The ambiguities in the interim deal have allowed both sides to interpret that deal differently, and that fundamentally is what has pushed them back into conflict.
And another thrilling pair of Wimbledon finals. It's Monday, July 13th. I'm Gideon Resnick in for Shamita Basu. This is Apple News Today. Capitol Hill lost one of its highest profile members this weekend after South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham passed away suddenly. His office said he died from an aortic tear, according to early findings from a medical examiner. Graham had just returned from a trip to Ukraine, where he'd met with the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky. And he passed away only hours before being due to appear on one of the Sunday shows. President Trump told CNN that he'd spoken to Graham on the night of his death on the phone.
What a terrible loss it is. He's a great politician. He was a natural. There are very few of them. He was a natural politician. Got along with everybody. When he didn't, he was very tough. You know, he was a tough cookie, too. But he got along with everybody.
Graham was perhaps the most prominent foreign policy hawk in the Senate, urging the U.S. to shape the world with its military and economic power. He was a staunch advocate for actions against Iran and Russia and offered unwavering support for Israel. Zelensky described him as a true defender of freedom, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that, quote, The latter years of Graham's legacy became inescapably connected with President Trump. In the early days of Trump's first campaign, Graham shared the view of much of the Republican establishment, saying this to CNN in 2015. And you know how you make America great again? Tell Donald Trump to go to hell. Back then, Graham likened Trump to a demagogue and voted for an independent candidate in 2016.
They went on to become much closer after Trump was elected, regularly golfing together, though their relationship did briefly sour following the January 6th riot at the Capitol.
We've had a hell of a journey. I hate it being this way. Oh my God, I hate it. From my point of view, he's been a consequential president. But today, first thing you'll see. All I can say is count me out. Enough is enough.
But in recent years, they became close again. And ultimately, Graham's key senatorial positions have consistently made him a useful ally. As head of the Judiciary Committee, he helped block President Obama's Supreme Court pick Merrick Garland, keeping the vacancy open for Trump. And he oversaw the confirmation of Amy Coney Barrett in 2020. Then as budget chair for Trump's second term, he helped advance the Big Beautiful Bill Act and served as one of the most prominent supporters of the war with Iran.
If you do not see this as an imminent threat, then you're blind for your hatred of Trump. There are people on the left and people in my own party that are more afraid of Trump being successful than the Ayatollah having a nuclear weapon. That's sick.
Graham was elected senator in 2002, and his death drew tributes from the relationships he forged on both sides of the aisle, including former President Biden. Many spoke of his humor and Southern charm, though his loyalty to Trump strained his relationships with Democrats in latter years. One of his last legislative accomplishments could end up being a Russia sanctions package, which Trump greenlit on Friday. Some lawmakers are now calling for it to be passed in his honor. Graham never married or had kids, but he leaves behind his younger sister, Darlene. After their parents died, he formally adopted her, and they remained close throughout his life. In South Carolina, the state's Republican governor will appoint a temporary replacement for Graham, and then a primary election will follow for voters to select a new nominee.
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Chapters
4 chapters
1
What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
0:05–0:06
2
What were the first reactions to Senator Lindsey Graham’s sudden death?
0:06–6:51
3
How did Lindsey Graham’s foreign‑policy views and alliances evolve over his career?
6:51–9:42
4
How did Lindsey Graham’s relationship with Donald Trump change from 2015 to later years?
9:42–13:33
Speakers
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