Image: from Chris X @Chris_1791
By Open Chronicle
U.S. President Donald Trump has revealed that one of his final conversations with Senator Lindsey Graham centered on the SAVE America Act, describing the late South Carolina Republican as deeply committed to advancing the legislation even after returning from an overseas trip.
Speaking during NBC’s Meet the Press, Trump said Graham called him shortly before emergency services were dispatched to the senator’s Washington residence on Saturday evening. Graham died later that day following what his office described as a brief, sudden illness.
Final conversation centered on election legislation
According to Trump, Graham’s final priority was securing Senate approval for the SAVE America Act, legislation that would require proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote and mandatory photo identification at polling stations.
“He was so intense,” Trump said. “He literally called me about the SAVE America Act. He had been traveling for many, many hours, and after such a long trip, he still called me about the bill because he believed we were going to get it passed.”
Trump added that Graham’s death represents a significant setback for the legislation, which remains stalled in the Senate.
Graham returned from Ukraine before his death
Before returning to Washington, Graham had traveled to Kyiv as part of a congressional delegation, where he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss continued U.S. support for Ukraine and proposed sanctions against Russia.
Trump recalled that Graham mentioned feeling tired after the demanding trip but otherwise appeared in good spirits.
“He sounded a little tired, but perfect. He had every reason to be tired. He was a tremendous worker,” the president said.
Republicans renew push for SAVE America Act
Following Graham’s death, several Republican lawmakers have renewed calls for Congress to pass the SAVE America Act as a tribute to the longtime senator.
Utah Senator Mike Lee argued that approving the legislation would be one of the most meaningful ways to honor Graham’s legacy.
The proposal, however, currently lacks the 60 votes needed to overcome a Senate filibuster, leaving its future uncertain.
Trump reflects on Graham’s political legacy
Trump also highlighted Graham’s passionate defense of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh during the contentious 2018 confirmation hearings.
The president credited Graham’s emotional speech before the Senate Judiciary Committee with helping secure Kavanaugh’s confirmation to the Supreme Court.
Trump described Graham as a trusted adviser and called him “a temperature gauge of the Senate,” reflecting the senator’s influence within the Republican conference.
Following Graham’s passing, Trump ordered U.S. flags to be flown at half-staff in his honor.
International tributes
Leaders from abroad also paid tribute to Graham, particularly for his strong support of U.S. allies.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was “in a state of shock” after learning of Graham’s death, describing him as one of Israel’s strongest supporters in the U.S. Senate.
According to Netanyahu, Graham consistently advocated for increased American assistance to Israel and frequently argued that Congress should provide even greater support than Israeli officials had requested.
“I’ve lost a beloved friend,” Netanyahu said, adding that Graham firmly believed Israel’s security was closely tied to that of the United States.
A lasting influence
Over nearly three decades in Congress, Lindsey Graham became one of the Senate’s most recognizable voices on national security, judicial appointments, defense policy, and U.S. foreign affairs.
His final conversation with President Trump, focused on advancing one of the administration’s key legislative priorities, underscored the commitment that colleagues say defined his long political career.
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