Key facts
- Senator Lindsey Graham declared "Enough is enough" after the January 6th Capitol riot, stating he was done with President Donald Trump.
- Graham later reversed his position, stating the Republican party could not grow without Trump.
- The relationship between Graham and Trump began with animosity during the 2016 presidential primaries.
- Graham and Trump developed a close bond through golf and shared humor, with Graham becoming a key ally during Trump's presidency.
- Graham served as a surrogate for Trump's 2024 campaign, advocating for "America First" policies while maintaining traditional foreign policy views.
Senator Lindsey Graham's complex and evolving relationship with President Donald Trump is highlighted by his shift from a vocal critic to a staunch defender. Following the January 6th Capitol riot in 2021, Graham declared he was finished with Trump, calling him a "consequential president" but stating, "count me out. Enough is enough." However, this break proved temporary. Graham soon reversed his stance, asserting in May 2021 that the Republican party could not grow without Trump's influence. Trump, who expressed shock at Graham's sudden death at age 71, called him a "true American Patriot" and described the senator as "like a member of the family."
Their relationship began contentiously during the 2016 presidential primaries, with Graham deeming Trump "unfit for office" and particularly angered by Trump's remarks about Senator John McCain's military service. The feud escalated when Trump released Graham's personal phone number, leading to a dramatic public destruction of phones by the senator. Graham even likened Trump's nomination victory to "being shot in the head."
Despite these early clashes, Graham and Trump later developed a close bond, reportedly bonding over golf and a shared sense of humor. Graham became a frequent golf partner and advisor to Trump, particularly on foreign policy matters concerning Israel, Ukraine, and Iran. During Trump's presidency, Graham supported his Supreme Court nominees and legislative agenda, often suggesting Trump was maturing in office. Even after the January 6th attack, a brief period of estrangement was followed by a reconciliation, with Trump inviting Graham for golf and dinner at Mar-a-Lago.
In the lead-up to Trump's 2024 campaign, Graham served as a prominent surrogate, promoting "America First" policies while also advocating for traditional Republican foreign policy stances, such as strong support for Ukraine and a firm stance against Iran. Graham's admiration for Trump was evident even in his recent primary victory speech, where he humorously placed Trump just behind God in his list of thank yous.