In the aftermath of Senator Lindsey Graham's unexpected death, Donald Trump delivered a eulogy that broke from tradition by weaving criticism into his praise. The former president, known for his obsession with loyalty, used interviews and social media posts to commemorate Graham while diminishing his legacy.
Mixed Tributes from Trump
In a Fox News interview on Monday, Trump recalled Graham as someone who called him too often, a poor golfer, and a workaholic. "He would call me all the time. I'd say: 'Stop calling me, Lindsey,'" Trump said. He added that Graham "wasn't exactly a perfect" golfer, comparing him unfavorably to Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods.
On Truth Social, Trump was more effusive, calling Graham "one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known" and a "true American Patriot." However, he ended the tribute with a funeral director-like line: "DETAILS AND ARRANGEMENTS TO FOLLOW. So sad!"
Complicated Relationship History
Trump's backhanded compliments reflected the complex relationship the two men shared. During the 2016 presidential campaign, Graham called Trump a "jackass" and a "race-baiting bigot." After Trump's victory, Graham became a loyal supporter, but briefly broke with him following the January 6 insurrection. "Trump and I, we've had a hell of a journey – I hate it to end this way," Graham said at the time, adding "count me out. Enough is enough."
Graham soon reversed course, returning to Trump's fold and recently praising him as "not far behind God." Trump, however, remembered the disloyalty. "He had one bad moment, that was the Jan 6 thing," Trump told Fox News. "Then he called me about 40 minutes later and said: 'Did I really say that? I can't believe it,' and he took it back. So I give him a 99 instead of a 100."
Ego and Dominance
Trump's comments revealed his persistent need to assert dominance, even over the deceased. He boasted about winning the 2016 South Carolina primary after Graham suspended his campaign. The eulogy underscored Trump's fragile ego, which requires him to always be number one. As Adam Gabbatt noted in his analysis, "Trump's fragility means he always has to be number one, always has to be dominant – even if the person he is dominating is now dead."
The tribute serves as a reminder of Trump's inability to offer unqualified praise, a trait that has defined his public and private interactions throughout his career.
