Trump privately questioned if Lindsey Graham's demanding travel schedule contributed to his death: Report
US President Donald Trump was deeply shaken by the sudden death of Senator Lindsey Graham and privately questioned whether the veteran lawmaker's demanding international travel
US President Donald Trump was deeply shaken by the sudden death of Senator Lindsey Graham and privately questioned whether the veteran lawmaker's demanding international travel schedule may have contributed to his death, The Washington Post reported. According to the news outlet, Trump had not expected Graham to die first. At 71, the South Carolina Republican was nearly a decade younger than the President and had remained an energetic presence in Washington and on the international stage until his death earlier this month. Trump repeatedly reflected on Graham's death Citing two people familiar with Trump's private conversations, The Washington Post reported that the President repeatedly returned to the subject in the days following Graham's death.
Trump reportedly expressed surprise that someone as active as Graham could die so suddenly and privately wondered whether 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 searched for possible explanations by considering Graham's family history and genetic factors. Public remarks referenced family history Trump publicly linked Graham's death to a history of heart disease in the senator's family during an interview with Newsmax on July 13. "His father died just about at the same age," Trump said. "I'm a believer in the racehorse theory," he added, referring to the idea that qualities such as physical strength and stamina can be inherited.
President appeared subdued after senator's death According to the news outlet, people close to the President said Trump appeared noticeably subdued following Graham's death. The report said Trump asked those around him whether Graham's constant travel—including his return from Ukraine shortly before his death—might have contributed to his sudden passing. Officials also told the newspaper that Graham's highly visible public schedule and active political campaigning in the days before his death made the loss particularly shocking for Trump and members of his administration. Close political and personal relationship Graham had become one of Trump's closest political allies after initially opposing his 2016 presidential campaign. Over the years, the South Carolina senator emerged as one of the President's strongest defenders in Congress, frequently appearing in the media to support the administration's agenda.
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