Trump admin live updates: Late Sen. Lindsey Graham’s DC office adorned with flowers, sticky note tributes

First lady Melania Trump has issued a statement on the sudden death of Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) this past weekend.

“I am saddened by the unexpected passing of Senator Graham,” Melania said. 

“Lindsey devoted his life to the service of our nation, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to his duties. My deepest sympathies go out to his family, friends, and all those whose lives were touched by his enduring legacy.”

The late Sen. Lindsey Graham’s desk in the upper chamber has been adorned with a bowl of white flowers and a black cloth.

Graham (R-SC) had honored his friend Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) in the same way after the “Maverick” Republican died in 2018.

Along with the late Sen. Joe Lieberman, the trio was often referred to as the “Three Amigos.”

The Senate trio were passionate advocates for a strong US presence in foreign affairs and toured the world together, meeting with dignitaries.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — US Capitol Police arrested a man with a firearm near the north entry point to the grounds of the complex on Monday.

No identity was immediately shared, but the area was briefly shut down while police investigated the incident.

Firearms are not allowed on Capitol grounds.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio launched an effort to dismantle the International Criminal Court, claiming it is “waging a war” against the United States.

“The ICC and its friends are waging a war against our country, not with bullets or missiles, but with statutes, compacts, and the force of so-called international law,” he said in a video posted on social media.

Rubio said the court “threatens every aspect of our political and legal system. Border patrol agents removing violent criminals from our country. American Marines risking their lives to defend our homeland. Prosecutors working to dismantle terrorist plots to attack and kill Americans.”

As part of its campaign, the State Department is calling on other nations to reject the ICC’s authority, revoking visas from ICC personnel, and establishing sanctions against the court. 

Established in 2002, the ICC is an international court with jurisdiction to prosecute individuals for the international crimes of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression. 

President Trump has long argued the court should not have the ability to investigate and prosecute Americans, particularly members of the military.

Sen. Lindsey Graham’s only surviving family member spoke briefly with The Post on Monday about the loss of her brother following a heart attack Saturday night.

“Actually, I’m just kind of like devastated right now,” said Darline Graham Nordone in a brief phone call.

President Trump posted on his Truth Social minutes before that he had recommended Graham’s “wonderful sister” to serve as interim senator until a special election can be held.

Read more Exclusive | Sen. Lindsey Graham’s sister Darline reacts to Trump recommending her to fill out SC Senate seat

South Carolina Republican Gov. Henry McMaster will be choosing that replacement. He’s scheduled a 4 pm press conference to make that announcement.

“This would be a fabulous tribute to Lindsey, who loved her dearly!” Trump added.

READ MORE

President Trump publicly encouraged South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster to tap late Sen. Lindsey Graham’s sister, Darline, to serve out the remainder of her brother’s term.

“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 posted on Truth Social. “This would be a fabulous tribute to Lindsey, who loved her dearly!”

Graham had become his sister’s legal guardian after their parents died.

McMaster will hold a press conference at 4 pm ET today to announce an appointment to fill the vacancy created by Graham’s passing.

The interim appointment will serve out the remainder of Graham’s term until January 2027.

A special primary election is expected to be held on Aug. 11 to elect a Republican nominee for his vacant seat.

A memorial with flowers and sticky notes began to form Monday outside of Sen. Lindsey Graham’s DC office, following his sudden death over the weekend.

Sticky notes honoring the longtime South Carolina Republican senator read: “Thank you for your service,” “We will miss you,” “True Patriot!”, and “Amazing Brother.”

Graham’s office door was locked in the morning, but his grieving Capitol Hill staffers were seen coming in and out.

The 71-year-old Graham passed away from an aortic dissection due to cardiovascular disease, shortly after returning from a trip to Ukraine, per preliminary findings from the DC medical examiner’s office.

Incumbent Sen. Gary Peters formally endorsed Rep. Haley Stevens in the bruising Michigan Senate Democratic primary, backing her over Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, who is widely seen as the frontrunner.

“Colleen & I are all in for Haley Stevens for U.S. Senate. Michigan – and the country – can’t afford to lose this seat,” Peters posted on X. “[Haley Stevens] is the fighter we need and she has the record to back it up. She’s won tough races and delivered for Michiganders. Let’s go win!”

Stevens and El-Sayed are locked in a neck-and-neck battle that has been emblematic of the broader tensions between the far left and the mainstream of the Democratic Party.

Both are running for Peters’ seat. The incumbent senator had stayed neutral up until this point. Looming over his endorsement are concerns that El-Sayed would be less competitive in a general election matchup against Rep. Mike Rogers.

Supreme Court Justices Amy Coney Barrett and Elena Kagan make a rare Capitol Hill appearance on Tuesday to discuss the high court’s budget request for the next fiscal year.

Barrett and Kagan will both sit before the House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on Financial Services and General Government. They had initially been slated to appear in May, but that was postponed.

It will mark the first time sitting Supreme Court justices have sat before a House committee since 2019.

The high court is pursuing a beefed-up budget to deal with increasing security concerns, including nearly $15 million in increased funding for security for the justices. Meanwhile, the judiciary is seeking $921 million for security funding next fiscal year, marking a $29 million uptick in spending.

Overall, the justices are seeking a roughly $207 million budget, marking a $44 million increase from fiscal year 2026.

Read more Nolan Wells attorney boosts wild theory teen made it back to land before dying — as pal says it’s not him in fight video