Stephen Miller, a former White House policy advisor, paid tribute to the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-SC, on Monday, describing him as a personal "friend" and a vital ally to the Trump administration.
Miller's remarks, delivered at a White House tribute, revealed a deeper relationship between the two men than had been previously understood. "Lindsey was of a mold that I don’t think we’re going to see for a very long time," Miller stated, emphasizing Graham's belief in the power of rhetoric and persuasion to influence outcomes.
"Lindsey really believed you could change people’s minds through the force and persuasion of his rhetoric," Miller said. He also lauded Graham as "the most effective, consistent advocate for the president’s agenda in the Senate."
Details emerged about Graham's willingness to assist the administration. "Lindsay was just so fundamentally good to us, to all of us," Miller recounted. "Every time we needed everything and anything at all, we called Lindsay. Without question, without hesitation, he would help out." Miller added that Graham's "generosity in heart and in spirit" was key to why people liked him.
Graham, a prominent figure in the Republican party, was known for his consistent advocacy for American leadership in the international community, arguing that global stability was enhanced by U.S. engagement. His relationship with President Donald Trump had periods of both closeness and strain.
Senator Graham's office released a preliminary cause of death on Sunday evening, stating he died from "aortic dissection due to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease." Aortic dissection is a serious medical condition involving a tear in the inner wall of the aorta.
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster, with President Trump's approval, appointed Graham's sister, Darline Graham Nordone, to serve out the remainder of his term. The possibility of Nordone seeking a full six-year term remains uncertain. Representatives Nancy Mace and Ralph Norman, both Republicans from South Carolina, are reportedly considering bids for the GOP nomination in the upcoming special election. A Republican primary election is scheduled for August 11, according to South Carolina state law.