Trump orders US flags at half-mast, calls Lindsey Graham 'a truly great man' in fond tribute

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump, on Sunday, July 12, ordered American flags across the United States to be flown at half-staff following the sudden death of Senator Lindsey Graham, describing the South Carolina Republican as "a truly great man" and one of his closest friends.

Announcing the directive on Truth Social, Trump praised Graham’s decades of public service and said the national tribute would honor both his contributions to the country and his lifelong commitment to South Carolina.

Trump announces nationwide tribute

Making the announcement shortly after Graham’s death was confirmed, Trump said every American flag would remain at half-staff until Saturday evening at 6 pm as a mark of respect for the late senator.

“In honor of the remarkable life and achievements of Senator Lindsey Graham, a dear friend of mine, and a truly great man, who achieved so much for our Country, and his beloved Home State of South Carolina, I am ordering all American Flags throughout the United States lowered to Half Mast until Saturday evening at 6 PM GOD BLESS YOU LINDSEY!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

The proclamation came hours after Graham’s office announced that the veteran lawmaker had died following what it described only as a “brief and sudden illness.” No official cause of death has been released.

Earlier, flags at the White House were lowered to half-staff in honor of Senator Lindsey Graham.

Before issuing the order to lower the flags, Trump reflected on one of his final conversations with Graham, saying the senator had personally called him after returning from a trip to Ukraine.

Trump recalls last conversation with Lindsey Graham

Speaking to the media on Sunday, Trump said Graham seemed in good spirits during their last conversation, though he noted the senator was fatigued after returning from Ukraine.

According to Trump, much of their discussion centered on Graham’s recent meetings in Kyiv and the policy agenda he planned to focus on once back in Washington.

Trump said Graham spoke at length about the SAVE America Act and characterized his Ukraine trip as productive.

Aside from mentioning tiredness from the long journey, Trump indicated there were no signs of concern in his tone.

“He was full of vim and vigor,” Trump said, emphasizing that fatigue was the only issue Graham brought up during the call.

Trump added that emergency personnel reached Graham’s Washington residence shortly after their conversation ended, making it among the final interactions the senator is known to have had.