USA14 July, 20263 min read
Donald Trump Says FBI Is Wasting Time Investigating Sen. Lindsey Graham’s Death
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Trump says FBI is wasting their time pursuing Graham death conspiracy theories. FBI is at Graham's home, assisting local authorities in the investigation.
Trump dismisses probe
President Donald Trump said in the Oval Office Tuesday that he is aware of conspiracy theories circulating about the death of Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., but declared “the FBI is wasting their time” investigating the matter.
Trump made the remarks after reporters asked why FBI agents were at Graham’s home just blocks from the Capitol on Monday following the senator’s death on Saturday night.
Washington’s chief medical examiner said a preliminary examination found “aortic dissection due to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease,” and authorities were still awaiting toxicology and other testing.
NBC News reported that on Monday it observed nearly 20 FBI and other federal agents gathered outside Graham’s row house on Capitol Hill, with multiple agents entering the home and taking photographs.
The NBC account also said FBI Director Kash Patel has said his agency is “assisting local authorities” in the matter, while two law enforcement sources said federal agents continue to investigate out of an abundance of caution.
Conspiracy claims and replies
Trump told reporters he “doesn’t see a lot of evil there,” and he said he knows “there’s all sorts of conspiracy theories going along” as the FBI’s involvement became a focus.
CNN reported that four law enforcement sources said investigators have no indication that Graham died from unnatural or nefarious causes, and one source said local police are conducting a normal review after someone dies while the FBI offered resources if necessary.
In the same CNN account, GOP Sen. John Cornyn called for the release of a toxicology report to “rule out any foul play,” while far-right activist Laura Loomer pointed to Graham’s return from Ukraine where he pushed for sanctions against Russia before his death.
CNN also relayed that GOP Sen. Tommy Tuberville said a staffer was with Graham’s scheduler Saturday evening when the South Carolina Republican called to complain of chest pains and asked her to call for emergency services.
CBS News similarly quoted Trump saying “So I don’t see a lot of evil there,” as it described preliminary findings indicating Graham’s death was caused by “a tear in the wall of the aorta.”
Medical findings and succession
Trump said he reviewed all of the medical reports related to Graham’s death and received a briefing from White House doctors about what had happened, while the medical examiner’s office said the cause and manner would be formally recorded after toxicological and microscopic testing.
USA Today reported that Graham died on July 11 after a sudden illness, and it said a preliminary medical examiner’s report indicated he died of “aortic dissection due to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease,” with an official cause to be disclosed after toxicological and microscopic testing.
On Monday, South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster appointed Graham’s only sibling, Darline Graham, to fill out the remainder of her late brother’s term, which ends in January, and she was set to take the oath of office Tuesday afternoon.
Time Magazine reported that Darline Graham Nordone was sworn into the role on Tuesday afternoon and that a special primary election will be held next month to select Graham’s replacement on the ballot in the November midterms.
In the same Time account, FBI Director Kash Patel said in a statement that the agency was “assisting local authorities and has made every necessary resource available,” while the FBI declined to provide further information about the nature of that assistance.