‘He called me last night’: Trump recalls last phone call with Lindsey Graham before his death

US President Donald Trump has expressed shock over the sudden death of Senator Lindsey Graham, revealing that he had spoken to the South Carolina Republican just over an hour before he died.

Graham, 71, died from a "brief and sudden illness" on Saturday night, according to a statement from his office. No further details about the cause of death have been released.

Trump, speaking to CNN, said he had no indication that anything was wrong during their final conversation.

"Well it's devastating. I thought he was fine. He called me last night," Trump said.

The President said Graham had recently returned from Ukraine and appeared upbeat as they discussed his trip and legislative priorities.

"He just got back from Ukraine and he had a great trip. He was telling me about the trip. He was pushing very, very hard. You probably know, he wanted to do the SAVE America Act. He was talking about that."

Trump described the longtime senator as energetic despite the fatigue of international travel.

"He was full of vim and vigor. He was tired. He said, 'I'm tired because it's a long trip.' But other than that, he was fine."

The President said Graham had called him at around 6:30 p.m., shortly before emergency medical personnel arrived.

"And he called me, I guess, just moments before. Because he called me like at 6:30 or something. And the medical people got there a little bit later, right after that. What a terrible loss it is."

Trump's Truth Social tribute

Earlier, Trump confirmed Graham's death in a post on Truth Social, paying tribute to one of his closest political allies.

“Senator Lindsey Graham, one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known, is dead! He was always working, and was a true American Patriot. Lindsey will be greatly missed!!! DETAILS AND ARRANGEMENTS TO FOLLOW. So sad!”

Graham's final Ukraine visit

Graham had been a prominent Republican voice on foreign policy. Just a day before his death, he met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv after advocating continued US support for Ukraine in its war with Russia.

He had also urged Trump to adopt a tougher stance on Iran, arguing that Tehran's leadership could not be trusted and pushing for military action against the country.

Trump's endorsement and friendship

The South Carolina senator was seeking another term in office this fall and had received Trump's endorsement earlier this year. In his endorsement, Trump called Graham "a wonderful friend to me" and praised his loyalty.

Responding to the endorsement in March 2025, Graham highlighted both their political partnership and personal friendship.

"On a professional level, I am proud to have been there at the beginning when President Trump — through sheer force of will — achieved the greatest political comeback in American history."

He added: "On a personal level, I genuinely enjoy our friendship. He's an awesome golfing buddy, who I have yet to beat."

Graham's office has not announced funeral arrangements or provided additional details on the illness that led to his death.