Graham and Trump’s unlikely alliance: From opponents to key allies — and golf buddies
Graham and Trump: From Enemies to Allies
Graham and Trump s unlikely alliance has become one of Washington’s most remarkable political transformations. Donald Trump publicly honored the late Senator Lindsey Graham, calling him “one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known” after the South Carolina lawmaker’s unexpected passing. What started as fierce opposition evolved into a partnership that influenced American foreign policy and domestic priorities across two presidential terms.
Opposition to Partnership
Looking back to December 2015, their relationship seemed uncertain. Trump was still a distant possibility in the Republican primary race. Graham, competing for the 2016 presidential nomination among twelve candidates, delivered a blunt assessment on CNN. “You know how you make America great again? Tell Donald Trump to go to hell,” Graham told viewers.
His criticism went beyond personal feelings. Graham strongly condemned Trump’s proposal to bar all Muslims from entering the United States, calling the businessman a “race-baiting, xenophobic, religious bigot.” These early exchanges marked the beginning of what would become one of the most consequential political alliances in recent American history.
“Lindsey used to be a great enemy of mine, and now he’s a great friend of mine,” Trump marveled during one meeting with Senate Republicans in 2018. “I really like Lindsey. Can you believe that?”
Building the Relationship
Graham had built his reputation as a Washington insider who transcended traditional party boundaries. Throughout more than three decades in public service, he maintained independence from strict ideological conformity. His persistent efforts to reform the nation’s immigration system and his well-documented distaste for the tea party movement demonstrated his willingness to work across the aisle, including with President Barack Obama.
Trump’s surprising 2016 victory catalyzed Graham’s dramatic shift in position. Within months, the senator transformed from his most vocal primary opponent into perhaps his most essential congressional ally. This evolution included roles as a fierce television surrogate and a regular golfing companion.
A pivotal moment arrived in March 2017, when a lunch meeting helped mend relations between the two men. Graham subsequently cultivated access to Trump’s inner circle through consistent phone conversations and golf outings. The senator later joked that their meeting proved so successful that he provided the president with his “new cell phone number,” a gesture that followed Trump sharing Graham’s contact information at a campaign rally.
Foreign Policy Leadership
For Trump’s second term, Graham positioned himself at the forefront of the administration’s most significant initiatives. His involvement spanned the Iran conflict and an extensive Pentagon modernization effort. Multiple critical issues awaited resolution on Capitol Hill, including bipartisan Russian sanctions legislation—a deal Graham had publicly announced just forty-eight hours before his death—as well as the confirmation of Trump’s newly selected attorney general.
“He looked at Lindsey as one of his foreign policy experts,” a longtime Trump adviser explained. “He didn’t always agree with him, but I think he respected him.”
That adviser noted Graham’s evolution from skeptic to trusted counselor on major geopolitical questions. Despite frequent disagreements on strategic matters—particularly regarding American support for Ukraine and negotiations to conclude the Iran war—Graham earned the president’s confidence through his expertise and steadfastness.
Independent Principles
Unlike certain MAGA-aligned members of Congress, Graham maintained his independently held convictions while aligning with Trump’s agenda. He resisted calls to eliminate the filibuster, though Trump later told CNN he was “coming aboard” to that concept. Graham remained devoted to his mentor, the late Senator John McCain, whose memory Trump frequently challenged. He also demonstrated restraint in publicly criticizing the president on contentious issues, including pardons granted to Capitol rioters and inflammatory statements about international partners.
A veteran Trump adviser reflected on Graham’s journey: “He was one of those guys, just like Marco [Rubio], just like Jeb Bush, who didn’t understand the Trump phenomenon. But eventually Lindsey Graham figured it out. He saw that Donald Trump was where all the energy and the passion was in the Republican Party.”
Graham’s pragmatic approach to this alliance—balancing principle with political necessity—ensured his legacy as both a steadfast conservative and a bridge-builder who hel