Lindsey Graham’s Perspective on Trump’s Interactions with the Papacy
Senator Lindsey Graham, a long-time ally of President Trump, has often commented on Trump’s interactions with global figures, including the Pope. In a 2018 interview, Graham remarked, “You can be the Pope and criticize him, it doesn’t matter. He’ll go after the Pope,” highlighting Trump’s propensity to respond assertively to criticism, regardless of the source.
Graham’s Critique of the Vatican’s Stance on Ukraine
Beyond his observations on Trump’s interactions, Senator Graham has also directly addressed the Vatican’s positions on global issues. In May 2022, Graham criticized Pope Francis for comments made regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict, suggesting that the Pope needed to apologize to the people of Ukraine. Graham’s remarks underscored his belief that the Vatican’s stance did not adequately support Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict.
Trump and Zelenskyy’s Meeting at the Vatican
Coinciding with Pope Francis’s funeral, President Trump held a private meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at St. Peter’s Basilica. The two leaders discussed efforts to revive peace negotiations amid Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine. Zelenskyy described the 15-minute meeting as potentially historic and productive, emphasizing goals such as an unconditional ceasefire and lasting peace. Trump expressed his disapproval of recent Russian missile attacks on civilians and hinted at tougher sanctions if hostilities continued. Senator Graham supported the idea with a call for bipartisan trade sanctions against countries importing Russian goods.
The Complex Relationship Between Trump and Graham
The relationship between President Trump and Senator Graham has been characterized by both collaboration and contention. Initially critical of Trump during the 2016 presidential campaign, Graham later became one of Trump’s staunchest allies, often defending him publicly. However, their alliance has faced strains, particularly on issues such as abortion policies and the pardoning of individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol riot.
In January 2025, following Trump’s sweeping clemency order for approximately 1,500 individuals convicted for their roles in the Capitol attack, Graham expressed concern, stating that pardoning those who attacked police officers sent “the wrong signal” and could lead to more violence.
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) jokingly asked the conclave to “keep an open mind” about making President Trump the next pope.
“I was excited to hear that President Trump is open to the idea of being the next Pope. This would truly be a dark horse candidate, but I would ask the papal conclave and Catholic faithful to keep an open mind about this possibility!” Graham said Tuesday in a post on X.
“The first Pope-U.S. President combination has many upsides,” he added. “Watching for white smoke…”
Graham concluded his post with “Trump MMXXVIII!” the Roman numeral for 2028.
Graham’s lighthearted post drew a response from Meghan McCain, who told the senator to “get a grip.”
The post comes just after Trump spoke with reporters outside the White House and jokingly said he’d like to be the next leader of the Catholic Church.
“I’d like to be pope,” he said. “That would be my number one choice.”
Trump, more seriously, later said he has “no preference” for who the Church ultimately chooses but that the cardinal out of New York is “very good.”
There has yet to be a pope from the United States, and Timothy Dolan, the cardinal from New York that Trump was referencing, is not expected to be a finalist in the decision.
The remarks come as the Catholic Church is set to decide who its next leader will be.
Pope Francis died last week at the age of 88. He died of a stroke, which was a complication of lung disease that had kept the pope ill for weeks.