Trump urges Senate to pass Clarity Act 'in honor of Senator Lindsey Graham'

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump urged the Senate to pass the Clarity Act "in honor of Senator Lindsey Graham," invoking the late Republican's support to press lawmakers on the cryptocurrency bill.

Trump argued that the legislation was needed to keep China from gaining an edge in digital finance and artificial intelligence. The appeal came one day after he publicly reflected on Graham's final conversations and legislative priorities following the senator's death.

Trump invokes late Lindsey Graham to push Clarity Act

Trump wrote on his official Truth Social account on Monday, July 13, that lawmakers should move the bill forward "in honor of Senator Lindsey Graham, a big supporter."

He argued that the legislation was critical to maintaining the United States' competitive edge in emerging industries, writing, "China, and many other countries, would like to take complete and total control of this major financial 'happening', as well as AI, where we are now leading, but where they are fighting hard."

Trump ended the post with a warning directed at Congress: "Don't let China win on either subject!!!"

The message marked his latest effort to rally Senate support for the cryptocurrency measure while framing Graham's backing as a reason to act.

Trump recalls Lindsey Graham's final call

Trump had already highlighted Graham's legislative priorities during a phone interview Sunday on CNN's ‘State of the Union’.

Speaking with host Jake Tapper, Trump said he and Graham "essentially... agreed on almost everything" and praised the senator's commitment to advancing the SAVE America Act.

"He was really becoming strong" on the legislation, Trump said, adding that Graham also supported keeping the Senate filibuster because "we have a budget coming up, and we have debt ceiling coming up."

Trump then criticized Democrats, calling them "deranged in many ways," before claiming they would be unable to overcome the filibuster fight surrounding the voting and proof-of-citizenship measure.

He also said Graham had contacted him shortly before his death to discuss the legislation.

"That's what he called me about last time," Trump said. "I just spoke to him... He was probably at his place, I don't know where he was."

Trump added that Graham "was fine when I spoke [to him] — other than being tired, he was fine," before saying he later received a call in the early morning hours informing him of the senator's medical emergency.

CNN interview ends with familiar jab

As the interview wrapped up, Tapper thanked Trump for calling in and invited him back to discuss other issues.

"I know you don't want to talk about any other issues out of respect for Lindsey Graham, but we would love to have you back sometime because I do have a lot of other questions for you, sir," Tapper said.

Trump responded, "Sure, we'll do that. We'll do that. We're trying to have CNN go on a normal path."

Tapper replied, "Well, I'm on a normal path right here, sir, and I appreciate your time and thank you for calling in," prompting Trump to answer, "Good, you are."