President Trump stated that Senator Lindsey Graham's death was not a result of foul play, attributing it to natural causes and urging the FBI to cease its investigation.
President Trump's comments dismiss speculation about foul play in Senator Graham's death, reinforcing the official cause of death and potentially influencing public perception and any ongoing investigations.
U.S. President Donald Trump suggested on Tuesday that there was no foul play suspected in the recent death of Senator Lindsey Graham, telling reporters at the White House that he did not see a lot of "evil" in his passing. Graham, a close ally of Trump, died at the age of 71 from what his office initially described as a "brief and sudden illness" on Saturday night.
Following Graham's death, the FBI confirmed it was assisting local authorities, sparking some concern and speculation, particularly on social media, given Graham's recent trip to Ukraine and his advocacy for sanctions against Russia and Iran. However, federal law enforcement officers confirmed to Fox News that there was no indication of foul play. Graham's congressional office later released preliminary findings from the Medical Examiner of the District of Columbia, indicating the senator died of an aortic tear due to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Trump, in a televised interview, dismissed the conspiracy theories, stating that medical examinations showed the senator died of natural causes, specifically a ruptured aorta, which he described as a difficult condition to fix. He also referenced a "racehorse theory" regarding genetics, noting Graham's father had died from similar heart complications. A death certificate is pending final toxicological and microscopic testing.
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster announced on Monday that the late senator’s younger sister, Darline Graham Nordone, will serve out the remainder of his term in Washington, which is set to expire early next year. Nordone will be sworn in at the Capitol on Tuesday. Her appointment triggers a wide-open primary for Graham’s long-held seat, with several Republicans weighing bids, including South Carolina GOP Reps. Russell Fry, Ralph Norman, and Nancy Mace.