Well that did not take long. President Donald Trump has already put forward his pick to fill the South Carolina Senate seat left vacant after Lindsey Graham's sudden death over the weekend, and he went straight to the family tree. As Trending Views reported, Trump endorsed Graham's sister, Darline Graham Nordone, to serve as interim senator and made sure everyone knew about it on Truth Social.
"I recommended, to Governor Henry McMaster, Lindsey Graham's wonderful sister, Darline, to serve as interim Senator from the Great State of South Carolina," Trump wrote. "This would be a fabulous tribute to Lindsey, who loved her dearly!" Nothing says "fabulous tribute" quite like handing someone a United States Senate seat, but here we are.
Governor McMaster has not announced his decision yet, which means he is currently sitting in his office staring at his phone while the President of the United States publicly tells him what to do. Under South Carolina law, McMaster has the authority to appoint an interim senator who would serve until voters pick a permanent replacement in a special election. So technically he can do whatever he wants. Technically.
Graham died Saturday at age 71 from an aortic dissection caused by arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease, according to preliminary findings from the D.C. medical examiner. An aortic dissection is when the inner layer of the body's main artery tears, which is about as catastrophic as it sounds. Toxicology and microscopic testing are still pending before a final death certificate is issued.
Emergency responders were called to Graham's Capitol Hill residence Saturday evening after reports of a cardiac arrest. First responders attempted to save him but were unable to revive him. His office thanked supporters and asked for privacy on behalf of the family.
The timing was especially brutal. Graham had just returned from a congressional trip to Ukraine, where he met with President Zelenskyy to discuss American support against Russia. He was booked to appear on "Meet the Press" the next morning and was knee deep in Senate negotiations over national security legislation and sanctions targeting Moscow. The man was running at full speed right until the end.
Trump said he spoke with Graham just hours before he died. According to the president, Graham mentioned being tired after the overseas travel but was still focused on pushing the SAVE America Act, an election integrity bill that had become a priority for him. Graham had served in the Senate since 2003 and was actively campaigning for a fifth full term when he passed.
So now we wait to see if McMaster takes the hint or decides to flex some gubernatorial independence. If history is any guide, the smart money is on taking the hint. Graham spent decades as one of Trump's closest allies in Washington, and apparently the loyalty program extends to next of kin.
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