Senator Lindsey Graham, a figure known for his deep military background and unwavering political stances, is being remembered by colleagues as a "doer" and a "relentless champion."
Mike Waltz, the US Ambassador to the United Nations and a fellow veteran, lauded Graham for his commitment to the troops, citing his regular deployments to train Afghan military lawyers while serving as a senator. "Lindsey didn’t just talk a big game about supporting our troops. He backed up every word with 33 years of service in the Air Force, eight years as a congressman and 23 years as South Carolina’s senator and elder statesman," Waltz wrote in an opinion piece. Graham's approach, according to Waltz, was to "never make policy from a conference room when Americans are carrying it out in the field. Go there. Ask the uncomfortable questions. Listen to the sergeants and junior officers."
This hands-on approach extended to policy matters. Following the withdrawal from Afghanistan, Graham, alongside Waltz, introduced resolutions to designate the Taliban as a foreign terrorist organization, push for asset freezes, and deny international funding. The senator also pursued answers regarding reports that the chairman of the Joint Chiefs had allegedly informed his Chinese counterpart about an impending American attack. Waltz noted that Gen. Mark Milley eventually met with them to explain his actions, highlighting Graham's effectiveness.
Graham's political career was also marked by his strong alignment with former President Donald Trump. He is described as a "convert to President Donald Trump" and one of his "fiercest and most loyal allies." Graham's dedication to a judiciary that adhered to the Constitution's original intent was evident in his vigorous support for President Trump's Supreme Court appointments, including his strong reaction to the treatment of Brett Kavanaugh.
His public service was rooted in a set of core beliefs: "America must lead, our allies must know we will stand with them, our enemies must fear the consequences of testing us, and our troops must never be sent into harm’s way without the tools they need to win." These principles, Waltz stated, informed his foreign policy successes.
Graham's sister, nieces, and family are in the thoughts of those mourning his loss. His passing is seen as a significant loss for President Trump, South Carolina, and military personnel who viewed him as a staunch advocate. For Waltz, it is the loss of a friend, fellow veteran, and partner in shared causes.