President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that all American flags nationwide should be flown at half-staff until 6 p.m. next Saturday. This gesture is in remembrance of Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, who passed away Saturday night at the age of 71 after a sudden, brief illness.
Trump shared the directive on his Truth Social platform, stating, "In honor of the remarkable life and achievements of Senator Lindsey Graham, a cherished friend and an extraordinary individual who contributed immensely to our nation and his beloved home state of South Carolina, I order all American flags throughout the country to be flown at half-staff until Saturday evening at 6 p.m."
The White House promptly adhered to the order. The official Rapid Response 47 account posted an image of the presidential residence with the American flag at half-staff, confirming the execution of the directive.
In a separate message on the same platform, Trump extended his tribute: "Senator Lindsey Graham, one of the finest people and senators I've known, has passed away! He was always working and was a true American patriot. We will miss Lindsey dearly!"
The president also disclosed that he had spoken with Graham by phone just hours before his death, as the senator was returning from a trip to Ukraine. During the call, Graham had reaffirmed his support for the SAVE America Act. Trump described Graham's passing as "a significant loss."
Legacy of Service and Commitment
Graham, who had turned 71 just two days before his passing, served South Carolina in the Senate since 2003, leading both the Budget and Judiciary Committees. He had a distinguished career as a military lawyer in the Air Force and retired from the Reserve in 2015 as a colonel.
Initially a rival to Trump during the 2016 Republican primaries, Graham evolved into one of Trump's most faithful allies in national security and foreign policy.
Advocate for Cuban Freedom
In recent months, Graham had prioritized the cause of Cuba. Following the capture of Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela, he described the Cuban regime as the "head of the snake" of Latin American authoritarianism and warned its leaders, "If I were you, I'd be looking for a new place to live."
On March 8, Graham appeared on television wearing a cap with the phrase "Cuba Libre" and declared, "Cuba is next. They're going to fall. This communist dictatorship in Cuba has its days numbered."
In May, he supported efforts to hold Raúl Castro criminally accountable for the 1996 shootdown of Brothers to the Rescue planes.
Cuban-American Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart mourned the loss, describing Graham as "more than a colleague" and highlighting his work in national security defense. Congressman Carlos A. Giménez expressed being "deeply saddened" and recalled Graham's steadfast support for Cuban freedom.
One of Graham's last public statements encapsulated his stance: "The liberation of the wonderful people of Cuba from the grips of communism is very near."
Frequently Asked Questions about Senator Lindsey Graham's Legacy
What prompted Trump to order flags at half-staff for Lindsey Graham?
President Trump ordered the flags at half-staff to honor the life and achievements of Senator Lindsey Graham, who was a close friend and influential figure in American politics.
How did Lindsey Graham contribute to U.S. politics?
Lindsey Graham served as a U.S. Senator for South Carolina since 2003, chaired key committees, and was a vocal supporter of national security and foreign policy initiatives. He was also a strong advocate for Cuban freedom.
What was Lindsey Graham's stance on the Cuban regime?
Lindsey Graham considered the Cuban regime a major authoritarian influence in Latin America and actively supported efforts to hold its leaders accountable, predicting the regime's downfall.