'Meet the Press’ Host Addresses Lindsey Graham's Death After Interview Plan

Meet the Press moderator Kristen Welker sent condolences to the family and colleagues of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, who died at age 71 from a brief and sudden illness. Graham had been scheduled to appear on the Sunday, July 12 broadcast, which would have been his 64th appearance on the show. Welker announced that President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would join the program to reflect on Graham's life and legacy. Tributes poured in from political figures, with President Trump calling Graham "one of the greatest people and senators I have ever known" and a "true American Patriot." Prime Minister Netanyahu also expressed his grief, calling Graham a "dear friend" and stating that "Israel has lost one of its greatest friends." Graham represented South Carolina in the U.S. Senate from 2003 until his death in July 2026, though a cause of death has not been publicly shared.