Trump already knows who should replace Graham but refuses to reveal name post senator's death

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump revealed he already has someone in mind to succeed Sen Lindsey Graham in the US Senate but said he will not disclose the name yet, arguing it is "too soon" following the longtime South Carolina Republican's death.

The remarks immediately fueled speculation over who could inherit one of the GOP's most influential Senate seats and underscored Trump's continuing influence over Republican politics in the state.

Under South Carolina law, Gov Henry McMaster is expected to appoint an interim senator if the seat becomes vacant before a special election is held, making Trump's endorsement likely to carry significant weight in any succession battle.

Trump keeps favorite secret

Speaking to NBC's 'Meet the Press', Trump said he already has a preferred replacement in mind but believes announcing the choice now would be inappropriate.

"I have somebody that I think would be great, but I don't want to say it now because it's too soon with Lindsey," Trump said.

He acknowledged that multiple Republicans are likely to pursue the seat, adding, "They'll have some people joining. Some are good, some are bad."

Trump also admitted Graham's death came as a shock.

"I never thought I'd be in this position. I thought Lindsey was going to be living forever. He was going to win by a lot," the president said.

Final call before tragedy

Trump also shared details of what he said was his final conversation with Graham just hours before the senator died.

According to the president, Graham called after returning from Ukraine to discuss the SAVE America Act, legislation he had strongly supported.

"He said, 'We're all set for the SAVE America Act,'" Trump recalled, adding that Graham mentioned he had just landed from Ukraine and was tired.

Later that night, Trump said he received a message from Graham's office informing him of the senator's death.

"I can't believe it," Trump said. "He was like a member of the family."

Succession battle begins

Graham's death creates one of the Republican Party's most closely watched Senate vacancies. 

As a four-term senator, former presidential candidate and longtime Trump ally, Graham played a central role in shaping Republican foreign policy, judicial confirmations and national security legislation.

Attention is now turning to who could replace him. South Carolina's governor will play a key role in the appointment process before voters eventually choose a senator in a special election.

While Trump declined to reveal his preferred candidate, his eventual endorsement is expected to be one of the defining factors in determining who succeeds Graham in one of the GOP's safest Senate seats.