President Donald Trump on Tuesday dismissed the FBI's presence at the late Senator Lindsey Graham's Washington home, suggesting the bureau is chasing baseless theories. Speaking in the Oval Office alongside the Iraqi prime minister, Trump said he saw no evidence of foul play, despite growing speculation among right-wing figures.
"I don't see a lot of evil there," Trump told reporters. "I think the FBI is wasting their time if they're doing that." Graham, a South Carolina Republican, died Saturday evening from what officials described as a "brief and sudden illness." The D.C. chief medical examiner preliminarily ruled the cause as aortic dissection due to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Trump noted that Graham's father died of a heart attack at 69, adding that the senator himself had known health issues. "He had clogged arteries," the president said. "I wish he took better care of himself." White House doctors briefed Trump on the medical reports, describing the condition as "almost undetectable" and often untreatable.
FBI personnel were spotted outside Graham's residence on Monday, fueling a wave of online conspiracy theories. Right-wing influencer Laura Loomer questioned whether Graham was "poisoned by a foreign adversary," while former Representative George Santos called for a full autopsy, alleging "foul play could have been at play."
FBI and Local Authorities Cooperate
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed Sunday that the bureau was assisting local authorities and had made resources available, but declined to specify the nature of the inquiry. Metropolitan Police Chief Jeffery Carroll said his department leads the investigation, while the medical examiner's office noted that complete toxicological and microscopic tests will take time.
Trump, who met with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani to discuss oil deals and pipeline plans, steered clear of endorsing any conspiracy theories. Instead, he focused on Graham's personal health struggles, repeating that the senator's father had a similar condition. "It sounds unfortunate but there's not much you can do about it," Trump added.
The president's remarks come amid heightened tensions with Iran and ongoing debates over U.S. credibility abroad. Earlier, Trump had proposed a 20% toll on the Strait of Hormuz, a move that has drawn criticism from allies. Meanwhile, critics have slammed Trump for what they call a dismissive tone toward Graham's death, with comedian Jon Stewart accusing him of reducing the senator's life to a "numeric score."
Graham's final legislative push for UN refugee funding now faces an uncertain future, as Trump's administration has signaled potential cuts. The senator's death leaves a void in the GOP's foreign policy wing, particularly on issues like immigration and national security.
