President Donald Trump has been criticized for his muted reaction to the death of Senator Lindsey Graham, a close ally who passed away suddenly over the weekend. The tribute, delivered during a phone-in to Fox and Friends, was widely mocked, including by comedian Jon Stewart on The Daily Show.
Trump's Tribute Falls Flat
Trump described Graham, 71, as a 'great guy' and a 'friend,' but his remarks were seen as dismissive. He said: 'He would call me all the time. He would just I’d say, “Stop calling me, Lindsey.”' The president also commented on Graham's golf skills, noting he was 'not Jack Nicklaus' and 'not Tiger.'
Graham died of a cardiac arrest at his Capitol Hill home shortly after a phone call with Trump, according to reports. He was scheduled to appear on NBC's Meet the Press and showed no prior signs of illness.
Jon Stewart's Take
On The Daily Show, Stewart played clips of Trump's tribute and quipped: 'I think the President has zoomed through the first five stages of grief and gone straight to number six: F**k that guy.' The audience laughed as Stewart highlighted Trump's lack of warmth.
Graham, a former Air Force Reserve colonel, was once a Trump critic, calling him a 'jackass' and 'race-baiting bigot' in 2015. He later became one of Trump's most vocal supporters, especially on the war in Iran. Trump had previously read Graham's phone number aloud at a 2016 rally.
Political Reaction
The tribute drew widespread criticism online, with many accusing Trump of insensitivity. Graham's death was confirmed by his office, stating he died after a 'brief and sudden' illness. He was 71 and had been a staunch ally despite their rocky start.
