Senator Lindsey Graham’s political trajectory saw a significant evolution in his stance towards Donald Trump, moving from vocal critic to a staunch ally.
Following news of Graham’s passing, a social media narrative emerged suggesting he had previously opposed Trump’s presidential nomination. This claim, circulating via a purported screenshot of a May 2016 post from Graham’s official X account, stated: “If we nominate Trump, we will get destroyed…….and we will deserve it.” The screenshot implied a strong opposition from Graham to Trump’s candidacy, predicting dire consequences for the Republican party. This fueled discussions and speculation among users, with some expressing surprise at the notion of Graham’s prior dissent, while others questioned the authenticity of the tweet.
A fact check confirms the accuracy of the tweet. Posted on May 3, 2016, it reflected a period of division within the Republican party as Trump secured the nomination. Some Republicans expressed strong dissent, while others eventually rallied behind Trump, viewing him as a preferable alternative to the Democratic nominee, Hillary Clinton. Graham’s tweet specifically followed Ted Cruz’s withdrawal from the race, which cleared the path for Trump.
Indeed, Graham’s relationship with Trump underwent a dramatic transformation. Initially, he was a prominent critic, describing Trump as a “race-baiting, xenophobic religious bigot.” However, after Trump’s presidency began, Graham became one of his most committed supporters, championing Trump’s foreign policy initiatives and judicial appointments.
Donald Trump was among those who led tributes to Senator Lindsey Graham after his death at 71, following what his office described as a “brief and sudden illness.” His passing on Saturday, June 11, surprised many in Washington, especially given his continued active engagement in public life and recent diplomatic efforts. Trump shared his condolences, calling Graham “one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known,” a “true American Patriot,” and stating he would be “greatly missed.”
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