White House policy advisor Stephen Miller paid tribute to the late Sen. Lindsey Graham on Monday, calling him a personal "friend" and praising his commitment to changing outcomes through rhetoric and communication.
Graham's passing on Saturday evening still had a profound impact on those in the Trump administration, with Miller revealing a closer relationship between the two than previously reported.
"Lindsey was of a mold that I don't think we're going to see for a very long time," Miller said. "He was someone who really understood how the power of rhetoric and communication as a senator can actually change outcomes."
Graham, who had a complex relationship with President Donald Trump, was also a close friend to the president and highly influential on domestic and foreign policy.
Miller described Graham as "the most effective, consistent advocate for the president's agenda in the Senate," leaving a lasting legacy in the process.
Graham consistently urged the U.S. to assume a leadership role in the international community, arguing that the world was safer and more stable with American engagement.
The late senator's generosity and willingness to work with the administration were also highlighted by Miller, who praised Graham's readiness to provide help whenever needed.
"Lindsay was just so fundamentally good to us, to all of us," Miller said. "Every time we needed everything and anything at all, we called Lindsay. Without question, without hesitation, he would help out."
The cause of death for Sen. Lindsey Graham was found to be an aortic dissection due to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease, a life-threatening medical emergency.
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster has appointed Graham's sister, Darline Graham Nordone, to serve out the remainder of his term with the president's blessing, but it remains unclear if she will consider running for a full six-year term.
Reps. Nancy Mace and Ralph Norman are rumored to be eyeing the seat and possible bids for the GOP nomination in the forthcoming special election, which is scheduled to take place on Aug. 11.
