Lindsey Graham's passing at 71 marks the end of an era in American politics. A stalwart figure in the Republican Party, his complex and often contradictory relationship with Donald Trump has left a lasting impact on the US Senate. As a hawkish senator who supported strong foreign policy measures, including countering Russian influence and backing Israel, Graham navigated the shifting tides within the party during the Trump era.
First elected in 2002, Graham initially forged an alliance with fellow Republican John McCain, with whom he shared a strong commitment to bipartisan cooperation. His own presidential bid in 2015 highlighted his willingness to engage in such partnerships, famously proposing a White House bar where 'we can get liquored up and solve problems'. However, his early relationship with Trump was marked by vitriol: Graham publicly condemned Trump's remarks about McCain's prisoner-of-war status and even shared Trump's phone number at a rally.
As the years passed, however, Graham underwent a significant transformation. Following Trump's 2016 victory, he evolved into a key ally and friend, frequently golfing with the President and ardently defending his policies on cable news. A pivotal moment in their alliance came during Brett Kavanaugh's Supreme Court confirmation hearings, which saw Graham deliver a crucial defence of the nominee.
Graham did briefly distance himself from Trump after the 6 January 2021 Capitol riot, stating that he 'hated for [his journey with Trump] to end like this'. Yet this break was short-lived: he later voted to acquit Trump in his impeachment trial and continued to support him in subsequent cabinet and judicial nominations. As Trump gears up for a possible 2024 presidential run, Graham's unwavering loyalty has left many questioning the true nature of their relationship.