'Before Trump': Hunter Biden honors Graham by remembering era of respect across parties

WASHINGTON, DC: As the tributes continue to pour in following the sudden death of South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, Hunter Biden chose to remember Graham from the time before President Donald Trump.

Senator Graham died from a “brief and sudden illness” on Saturday, July 11, at the age of 71.

Hunter Biden remembers Lindsey Graham's pre-Trump legacy

Hunter Biden paid tribute to the late Sen Graham on Sunday by recalling an era when political rivals could fiercely disagree while maintaining close personal relationships.

Rather than focusing on Graham's years as one of President Donald Trump's strongest allies, Hunter Biden highlighted Graham's friendship with his father, former President Joe Biden, and his bond with the late Sen John McCain as a reminder of a more tolerant political culture.

Hunter, sharing a post on X, wrote that when he heard of Graham’s demise, he “thought of the time before Donald Trump when he was a brother to Senator John McCain.”

“A time when a conservative Republican from South Carolina could say of my father: ‘If you can’t admire Joe Biden as a person, you’ve got a problem. He’s the nicest person I’ve ever met in politics. As good a man as God ever created.’”

“I will choose to remember the time before Trump. Because I believe in an America after Trump,” Hunter Biden concluded his tribute post.

Trump's staunch ally Lindsey Graham dies at 71

"Senator Graham's family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period," the South Carolina senator's office said.

According to NBC News, Graham was scheduled to appear on the broadcaster’s 'Meet the Press' on Sunday.

Reports also suggest that a recording of an emergency call responding to the senator's residence mentions a cardiac arrest.

Trump recalls speaking with Lindsey Graham before his death

President Trump paid tribute to Graham, calling him "one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known," in a Truth Social post.

"He was always working, and was a true American Patriot. Lindsey will be greatly missed," Trump wrote.

The president said on Sunday, on NBC's 'Meet the Press', that he spoke with the senator on Saturday evening, shortly after Graham returned from a trip to Ukraine. "Other than being tired, he was fine," Trump said.