Trump Announces US Reinstate Blockade on Iranian Ships in the Strait of Hormuz
The renewed push for the bill's passage has sparked a sense of urgency among lawmakers, with many viewing it as a way to honor Graham's legacy and continue his efforts to support Ukraine. Senator Bob Menendez, a Democrat from New Jersey and chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, expressed his commitment to moving the bill forward, stating that it would be a fitting tribute to Graham's dedication to the cause. Meanwhile, the White House has reiterated its support for the legislation, with officials indicating that they are working closely with lawmakers to ensure its passage. As the bill moves through the legislative process, it is likely to face scrutiny and potential amendments, but its backers remain optimistic that it will ultimately become law. The bill's passage would mark a significant milestone in the US response to the conflict in Ukraine, and its impact could be felt far beyond the region. With the international community continuing to grapple with the consequences of the war, the US is poised to play a key role in shaping the global response, and Graham's legacy may yet have a lasting impact on the trajectory of the conflict.
Trump's comments on the sanctions bill were notably absent during his recent interview, where he instead highlighted Graham's enthusiasm for the SAVE America Act, an elections overhaul bill. Some Republican lawmakers have suggested linking the two bills, which would require proof of citizenship to register to vote and personal identification at the polls. However, this move is unlikely to gain traction, as the elections bill currently lacks sufficient support.
In a separate interview with "Fox & Friends," Trump reflected on Graham's role in confirming Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court. Trump credited Graham's passionate defense of Kavanaugh during the 2018 controversy surrounding sexual assault allegations, saying it was "one of the great 10 moments of Congress." Graham had vehemently denied the allegations against Kavanaugh, calling the hearing "the most unethical sham since I've been in politics."
Trump also addressed the ongoing tensions with Iran, stating that the US would control the Strait of Hormuz. In response to Iran's claims of controlling the critical shipping route, Trump asserted, "Well, we're taking over the strait." The US and Iran have exchanged attacks amid a power struggle over the waterway, with Trump saying last week that the ceasefire was over. He added that the US "should be reimbursed" for efforts to protect the waterway, saying, "We guarded it for nothing, and now we're going to guard it, and we're going to get paid for guarding it, a lot of money."
In Seneca, South Carolina, Graham's hometown, residents are still coming to terms with the senator's passing. Clay Vassey, a realtor who met Graham on a plane to Washington two weeks ago, remembered him as "very energetic, very personable." Sue Feather, a resident of the state since 2018, noted that she had already seen online rumors of Graham's death being caused by something other than a heart attack. Her husband, Jeff Feather, acknowledged Graham's "great legacy" but also recognized the controversies surrounding him, saying there had been "a lot of love-hate relationships over the years." As the shock of Graham's passing fades, residents like Sue Feather expect to feel a sense of sadness, recognizing that he "had a lot more to give."
The tear in the aorta that doctors believe led to Graham's death is an immediately life-threatening emergency that may cause symptoms similar to those of a heart attack. Trump revealed that he spoke with Graham on Saturday night, hours before the senator died, and said that "other than being tired, he was fine." Trump added that he believed Graham's death was a "quick end, and maybe that's not the worst way to go."
Graham leaves behind a legacy defined by his hawkish foreign policy views and his evolution from a critic of Trump to one of his allies. The US has launched another round of strikes on Iran, aimed at thwarting attacks on traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran retaliated with strikes across the region, targeting US facilities. The latest round of strikes began at 5 p.m. ET and was completed by 10:30 p.m.
Meanwhile, Trump will host top IndyCar drivers at a White House event ahead of next month's Grand Prix. Mitch McConnell, who was hospitalized nearly a month ago, said in a statement that he was "briefly unconscious" after a fall and that doctors have not yet cleared him to return to the Senate floor to vote.
Republicans are scrambling to find a replacement for Graham, who won the GOP Senate primary in South Carolina in June. Trump said he has a preferred replacement in mind but declined to share a name out of respect for Graham. Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., has endorsed Rep. Haley Stevens in the primary to replace him in the Senate, saying Stevens "will be ready on day 1 to fight for Michigan." Stevens is facing off against former Wayne County Health Director Abdul El-Sayed in the race to replace Peters.
Trump's comments on the sanctions bill were notably absent during his recent interview, where he instead highlighted Graham's enthusiasm for the SAVE America Act, an elections overhaul bill. Some Republican lawmakers have suggested linking the two bills, which would require proof of citizenship to register to vote and personal identification at the polls. However, this move is unlikely to gain traction, as the elections bill currently lacks sufficient support.
In a separate interview with "Fox & Friends," Trump reflected on Graham's role in confirming Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court. Trump credited Graham's passionate defense of Kavanaugh during the 2018 controversy surrounding sexual assault allegations, saying it was "one of the great 10 moments of Congress." Graham had vehemently denied the allegations against Kavanaugh, calling the hearing "the most unethical sham since I've been in politics."
Trump also addressed the ongoing tensions with Iran, stating that the US would control the Strait of Hormuz. In response to Iran's claims of controlling the critical shipping route, Trump asserted, "Well, we're taking over the strait." The US and Iran have exchanged attacks amid a power struggle over the waterway, with Trump saying last week that the ceasefire was over. He added that the US "should be reimbursed" for efforts to protect the waterway, saying, "We guarded it for nothing, and now we're going to guard it, and we're going to get paid for guarding it, a lot of money."
In Seneca, South Carolina, Graham's hometown, residents are still coming to terms with the senator's passing. Clay Vassey, a realtor who met Graham on a plane to Washington two weeks ago, remembered him as "very energetic, very personable." Sue Feather, a resident of the state since 2018, noted that she had already seen online rumors of Graham's death being caused by something other than a heart attack. Her husband, Jeff Feather, acknowledged Graham's "great legacy" but also recognized the controversies surrounding him, saying there had been "a lot of love-hate relationships over the years." As the shock of Graham's passing fades, residents like Sue Feather expect to feel a sense of sadness, recognizing that he "had a lot more to give."
The tear in the aorta that doctors believe led to Graham's death is an immediately life-threatening emergency that may cause symptoms similar to those of a heart attack. Trump revealed that he spoke with Graham on Saturday night, hours before the senator died, and said that "other than being tired, he was fine." Trump added that he believed Graham's death was a "quick end, and maybe that's not the worst way to go."
Graham leaves behind a legacy defined by his hawkish foreign policy views and his evolution from a critic of Trump to one of his allies. The US has launched another round of strikes on Iran, aimed at thwarting attacks on traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran retaliated with strikes across the region, targeting US facilities. The latest round of strikes began at 5 p.m. ET and was completed by 10:30 p.m.
Meanwhile, Trump will host top IndyCar drivers at a White House event ahead of next month's Grand Prix. Mitch McConnell, who was hospitalized nearly a month ago, said in a statement that he was "briefly unconscious" after a fall and that doctors have not yet cleared him to return to the Senate floor to vote.
Republicans are scrambling to find a replacement for Graham, who won the GOP Senate primary in South Carolina in June. Trump said he has a preferred replacement in mind but declined to share a name out of respect for Graham. Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., has endorsed Rep. Haley Stevens in the primary to replace him in the Senate, saying Stevens "will be ready on day 1 to fight for Michigan." Stevens is facing off against former Wayne County Health Director Abdul El-Sayed in the race to replace Peters.
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