Trump lowers WH flag as Dem Mark Warner mourns Lindsey Graham: 'My friend and colleague'

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump lowered the White House flag to half-staff on Sunday morning, July 12, after the death of Senator Lindsey Graham, as tributes poured in from both Republicans and Democrats.

The White House gesture came hours after Graham's office confirmed that the longtime South Carolina senator had died following what it described as a "brief and sudden illness."

Among those honoring him was Democratic Senator Mark Warner of Virginia, whose remembrance underscored the respect Graham earned across party lines.

Trump leads tributes to Lindsey Graham

Trump was among the first national leaders to publicly honor Graham, a close political ally who had represented South Carolina in the Senate since 2002.

Trump described Graham in a Truth Social post as "one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known," adding that he was a "true American Patriot."

Fox News also reported on Sunday that the American flag at the White House was lowered to half-staff Sunday morning following Graham's death.

Graham's office announced the senator's passing early Sunday, saying he died after a "brief and sudden illness."

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

Mark Warner recalls Lindsey Graham as close friend

Warner, a Virginia Democrat who often found himself on the opposite side of Graham in policy debates, focused on their personal relationship in a lengthy tribute posted Sunday on X.

"I was heartbroken to learn of the sudden passing of my friend and colleague, Senator Lindsey Graham," Warner wrote.

"Lindsey and I disagreed on plenty over the years, but I never doubted his love for this country or his commitment to serving it," he continued.

Warner also praised Graham's work on national security, saying he "was a fierce advocate for the causes he believed in, especially our nation's security and the men and women of our armed forces."

Beyond politics, Warner said Graham's personality stood out just as much.

"But what I'll remember just as much was Lindsey's sense of humor," Warner wrote. "He had a quick wit, a sharp laugh, and an uncanny ability to break the tension with a well-timed joke or story."

He added that "those personal relationships often mattered more to him than the political disagreements of the day" before concluding, "Lisa and I are keeping Lindsey's family, his devoted staff, the people of South Carolina, and everyone who loved him in our thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time."

Graham's final months in the Senate

Graham, 71, was serving as chairman of the Senate Budget Committee and was seeking a fifth six-year Senate term in November.

He was widely known as one of the Senate's leading Republican voices on defense and foreign policy.

According to NBC News, emergency personnel responded to a call for "cardiac arrest" at Graham's Capitol Hill home Saturday night, and EMS audio later indicated CPR was in progress.