President Donald Trump downplays the FBI’s role in the investigation into the sudden death of Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), speaking at an event in the Oval Office and later with reporters. Across multiple outlets, Trump says he does not know why FBI agents have been involved and characterizes the inquiry as “wasting their time.” He adds that he “wishes” Graham had “taken better care of himself,” and references a belief that Graham had “a problem.”
NBC News reports that Trump’s comments dismiss conspiracy theories surrounding Graham’s death, while other outlets focus on his criticism of the bureau’s involvement. The reporting also places the FBI’s presence at Graham’s home in Washington, and notes that the senator died suddenly on Saturday night at age 71. While sources differ slightly in how they frame Trump’s remarks—whether emphasizing his lack of knowledge about the FBI’s actions or his personal assessment of Graham’s health—they all describe Trump opposing the premise that the FBI’s investigation reflects wrongdoing, and presenting it instead as unnecessary.
