'Meet the Press' host addresses Lindsey Graham's death after interview plan
Meet the Press moderator Kristen Welker sent her condolences to late senator LindseyGraham‘s family and peers after he was scheduled to appear on the Sunday, July 12, broadcast.
“Senator Lindsey Graham was scheduled to appear on @MeetThePress this morning,” Welker, 50, wrote via X early on Sunday. “It would have been his 64th appearance on this broadcast. We are sending our deepest condolences to his family and colleagues.”
Welker further revealed that President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “will join [the show] this morning to reflect on [Graham’s] life and legacy.”
A rep for Graham announced late on Saturday, July 11, that the politician died at age 71.
“On the evening of Saturday, July 11, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham passed away from a brief and sudden illness,” a statement read. “Senator Graham’s family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period.”
Graham had been scheduled to be interviewed by Welker on Meet the Press the next day, which would have also featured the TV journalist’s conversations with politicians Ro Khanna and Adam Schiff.
Kristen Welker interviews Lindsey Graham on ‘Meet the Press’ virtually in March 2026.Brian Stukes/NBC
Before Meet the Press honored Graham’s legacy on Sunday, guests Trump, 80, and Netanyahu, 76, offered social media tributes to their late peer.
“Senator Lindsey Graham, one of the greatest people and senators I have ever known, is dead,” Trump wrote via his Truth Social platform. “He was always working and was a true American Patriot. Lindsey will be greatly missed!!! Details and arrangements to follow. So sad!”
As for Netanyahu, he revealed via X that he stands with “the American people” in grieving the death of his “dear friend.”
“In our recent meeting, I said, ‘Lindsey is a great friend of Israel and a cherished friend of mine. We have no better friend than Lindsey,’” he tweeted on Sunday. “Lindsey understood that the security of Israel and America are inseparable. He devoted his life to defending America, strengthening our alliance and standing up for the free world.”
Netanyahu continued, “Israel has lost one of its greatest friends. America has lost a great patriot. I have lost a beloved friend. Our hearts are with Lindsey’s family and with the American people at this difficult time. May his values and initiatives continue to guide us toward victory and peace, and may his memory forever be a blessing.”
Graham represented South Carolina in the United States Senate from 2003 until his death in July 2026. A cause of death has not been publicly shared at the time of publication.
Copyright 2026 Us Weekly. All rights reserved
This story was originally published July 12, 2026 at 9:07 AM.