Story perspectives

Trump attacks FBI; sister appointed first female senator

7/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

President Donald Trump said the FBI is wasting time investigating Senator Lindsey Graham’s death amid theories.
Graham died July 13, 2026, in Washington, D.C., from an aortic dissection caused by arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
The FBI is assisting authorities at his Capitol Hill home, with officials reporting no foul-play evidence.
Governor Henry McMaster appointed Graham’s sister Darline Graham Nordone as U.S. senator, the state’s first female, to serve until January 2027.

History

Historical Context

On October 25 2002, Minnesota Senator Paul Wellstone died in a chartered plane crash that killed seven aboard, including his wife and daughter. His death came eleven days before the November 5 Senate election, forcing the DFL to replace him with former Vice President Walter Mondale, who lost to Republican Norm Coleman, while Governor Jesse Ventura appointed Independence-Party member Dean Barkley to finish the term.

1 of 2

Story summary

President Donald Trump said the FBI is wasting time investigating Senator Lindsey Graham’s death amid theories.
Graham died July 13, 2026, in Washington, D.C., from an aortic dissection caused by arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
The FBI is assisting authorities at his Capitol Hill home, with officials reporting no foul-play evidence.
Governor Henry McMaster appointed Graham’s sister Darline Graham Nordone as U.S. senator, the state’s first female, to serve until January 2027.

1 / 2