Rick Wilson slams Trump supporters for urging civility after Sen. Lindsey Graham's death

Allies of Sen. Lindsey Graham expressed shock and sorrow on Sunday after the Republican passed away unexpectedly over the weekend. The four-term senator from South Carolina died after a "brief and sudden illness," his office said in a statement. While most across the political spectrum offered condolences, some criticized Graham for his staunch support for President Donald Trump, prompting Republican supporters to urge civility. However, Lincoln Project co-founder Rick Wilson found the request rather hypocritical as he pointed to how Trump reacted after the deaths of former FBI Director Robert Mueller and his other opponents. 

Graham's allies, including Trump, offered condolences, with the president calling him "one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known." However, some, including Jan 6 Capitol Hill Riot survivor Michael Fanone and former GOP strategist Steve Schmidt, attacked the longtime senator for his controversial actions and statements on the Iran war and Trump's immigration crackdown. As many on social media platforms like X urged people to maintain civility regarding Graham's death, Wilson was quick to point out the hypocrisy. "Remember when Lindsay blasted Trump for mocking Robert Mueller's death? Or Colin Powell's? Or John McCain's? Odd...me either," he wrote. 

For years,  Trump has offered crass and insensitive comments about people who died, especially his foes. Most recently, when Mueller passed away in March, Trump took to Truth Social, writing, "Robert Mueller just died. Good, I'm glad he's dead," as it was Mueller who probed him and his 2016 campaign on alleged ties with Russia and foreign interference in the election process. 

Back in 2021, when much of the world remembered Powell, the first Black U.S. secretary of state, with respect and affection upon his death, Donald Trump attacked the statesman, calling him a disloyal Republican who made the case for war in Iraq. Powell, a frequent critic of Trump who called upon him to resign after the January 6 Capitol insurrection, was treated with harsh words as well. "Wonderful to see Colin Powell, who made big mistakes on Iraq and, famously, so-called weapons of mass destruction, be treated in death so beautifully by the Fake News Media. Hope that happens to me someday," Trump wrote sarcastically in a statement. He further branded Powell a "classic RINO" (Republican In Name Only). He added, "he made plenty of mistakes, but anyway, may he rest in peace!"

The third mention in Wilson's post: McCain, a six-term senator and a veteran who was tortured as a prisoner of war in Vietnam, was also blasted by Trump after he died. "He was horrible," Trump said in an interview on Fox News at the time, referring to McCain's role in the defeat of legislation that would have repealed the Affordable Care Act, The Guardian reported. "I'm not a fan of John McCain, and that's fine," he added. While Republicans pleaded with him to stop, Trump continued his assault as he said, "I gave him the kind of funeral that he wanted, which as president I had to approve," while addressing workers at a factory. "I don't care about this, I didn't get a thank you. That's OK," he added.

Graham had, in fact, called out Trump's remarks after McCain's death, as he was one of the closest friends of the veteran. "I think the president's comments about Senator McCain hurt him more than they hurt the legacy of Senator McCain," he said at the time.