A White House source told Israel Hayom that President Donald Trump was deeply affected by the death of Senator Lindsey Graham, with whom he had a close relationship and shared a love of golf. The source also revealed that Graham collapsed two hours after returning from Ukraine, and that he lived alone, with his staff serving as his family.
New details from a White House source, published Monday by Ariel Kahana (Israel Hayom), provide a more personal picture of the final hours of Sen. Lindsey Graham: President Donald Trump was deeply affected by the loss of a close golf partner, Graham collapsed just two hours after returning home from a trip to Ukraine, and the senator lived alone, with his Senate staff serving as his family. The source also said the timing of a funeral has not yet been set.
As The Zioneer reported Sunday (Jul 12), Graham's office confirmed his death from sudden illness. Trump's initial statement mourned him as 'a true American patriot.' Later that day, in an NBC interview, Trump disclosed he had spoken with Graham hours before his death, describing him as 'tired but fine' and 'like family.' Trump subsequently added that Graham had told him he was 'a bit tired.' The White House source now introduces the detail that Graham collapsed shortly after returning from Ukraine, linking his trip to his sudden deterioration.
Background: The Zioneer also reported that Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Netanyahu, eulogized Graham, and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy said he met Graham twice in the past week and that Graham was working on tougher Russia sanctions. The White House source's account is the first to report the proximity of the Ukraine trip to Graham's collapse.
It remains unclear what caused Graham's sudden illness; the source provided no cause of death. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
6 developments
- StrongZelenskyy says he met Lindsey Graham twice in past week, was working on tougher Russia sanctions
- StrongNetanyahu: Lindsey Graham was 'a true friend and ally, the world lost an amazing person'
- DevelopingWhite House source: Trump made 'dramatic' decision following Iran assassination attempts
- DevelopingTrump on Ukraine: Zelensky is 'holding up pretty well,' many dying on both sides
Source and signal
- Internal intake