Lindsey Graham’s death has become the subject of swirling conspiracy theories, but President Donald Trump made his skepticism clear on Tuesday, declaring that the FBI is “wasting their time” looking into the sudden passing of his close friend and ally. Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump pushed back against speculation surrounding the South Carolina Republican senator, who died Saturday night at age 71.

Trump Dismisses Foul Play

When reporters asked why FBI agents had gathered at Graham’s home just blocks from the Capitol on Monday, Trump was blunt in his response. He said he didn’t see much evil in the situation and dismissed the rumors circulating online, insisting the FBI was wasting its time if it was chasing conspiracy theories.

His comments came during a busy day at the White House, as Trump juggled a meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi and an escalating crisis in the Strait of Hormuz. Even so, the president appeared fully briefed on the details surrounding Graham’s death.

The two men were unusually close. Graham was among Trump’s staunchest allies on Capitol Hill, and the president revealed that he was one of the last people to speak with the senator, having shared a phone call with him the night he died.

What the Medical Examiner Found

The official findings so far point to natural causes. According to Washington’s chief medical examiner, a preliminary examination determined that Graham suffered an aortic dissection caused by arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease, essentially a rupture of his aorta linked to a hardening of his arteries.

Authorities have cautioned that the picture isn’t complete yet, as they continue to await results from toxicology and other testing.

Trump said he had personally reviewed the medical reports and even received a briefing from White House doctors. He also noted a family history of heart trouble, pointing out that Graham’s father had died of heart complications at a relatively young age.

The president went further, describing the condition as nearly impossible to detect. He explained that a bad back can sometimes serve as a warning sign, recalling that Graham had complained of back problems without anyone realizing the deeper cause. When the aorta bursts, Trump said, it simply bursts.

The Russia Poisoning Theory

The speculation hasn’t been limited to vague suspicions. On Monday night, during an appearance on Newsmax, Trump was asked directly whether Russia could have poisoned Graham.

The question wasn’t entirely random. Graham had been a leading advocate for both Ukraine and Israel, pushing for tougher sanctions on Russian President Vladimir Putin. Just a day before his death, he had met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv.

Trump acknowledged the intrigue but ultimately waved it off. He said that while he’d almost like to confirm the theory, he believed Graham simply had underlying health problems. Referencing his own “racehorse theory,” Trump suggested that some people carry deep-seated issues that are difficult to detect, and that Graham’s father dying at a similar age reinforced his belief in natural causes.

Agents at the Scene

Despite Trump’s dismissiveness, federal agents were clearly active at Graham’s residence. On Monday afternoon, nearly 20 FBI and other federal agents were observed outside his Capitol Hill row house. Several agents entered the home and were seen taking photographs, though they did not appear to be removing any items.

FBI Director Kash Patel has said the agency is “assisting local authorities” in the matter. Two law enforcement sources familiar with the scene explained that agents are continuing to investigate out of an abundance of caution. Importantly, those same sources noted that no new evidence has emerged since Saturday night to suggest foul play. The FBI declined to comment on Trump’s latest remarks.

A Successor Steps In

As the investigation continues, Graham’s Senate seat has already been filled. On Monday, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, a Republican, appointed Graham’s only sibling, Darline Graham, to serve out the remainder of her late brother’s term, which runs through January. She was set to take the oath of office on Tuesday afternoon.

For now, the official explanation remains rooted in Graham’s health rather than any sinister plot. While theories continue to circulate online, both the medical evidence and the president himself point toward a tragic but natural end for one of Washington’s most prominent figures.