President Trump ordered flags across the country to fly at half-mast until Saturday evening in honor of Sen. Lindsey Graham, an extended tribute the president said the South Carolina Republican earned.
“I think he deserves it,” Mr. Trump said. “And he’s a fantastic person. It was just, he was a fantastic man.”
Mr. Trump said Mr. Graham, R-S.C., called him shortly before his death to check in. “He got back. He felt fine. He was a little tired. And then this whole thing happened,” Mr. Trump said.
Mr. Graham, who died over the weekend, was one of the president’s closest allies in the Senate. Mr. Trump said the two had recently discussed the Save America Act.
“He was a great guy. He was a great politician, actually, and it’s hard to believe he’s gone,” Mr. Trump said.
Other senators from both parties also mourned Mr. Graham. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said Mr. Graham’s desk was draped in black with white flowers. Senate Democrats Chuck Schumer of New York and Chris Coons of Delaware praised him as a rare bridge-builder in a divided Congress.
“He was he was tough, but he was a good man,” Mr. Trump said. “He got along with almost everybody. And when he didn’t get along, they knew it.”
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