Politicians and faith leaders across the country reacted Wednesday to the death of 99-year-old evangelical icon Billy Graham on Wednesday.
President Trump
Donald TrumpNoem touts South Dakota coronavirus response, knocks lockdowns in CPAC speech On The Trail: Cuomo and Newsom — a story of two embattled governors McCarthy: 'I would bet my house' GOP takes back lower chamber in 2022 MORE and Vice President Pence, who is an evangelical, both put out tweets praising Graham's work as a televangelist and reverend.
The GREAT Billy Graham is dead. There was nobody like him! He will be missed by Christians and all religions. A very special man.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 21, 2018
Karen and I were saddened to learn of the passing of one of the greatest Americans of the century, Reverend Billy Graham. We send our deepest condolences to the Graham family. (1/2)
— Vice President Mike PenceMichael (Mike) Richard PenceDemocrats don't trust GOP on 1/6 commission: 'These people are dangerous' The Memo: CPAC fires starting gun on 2024 Merrick Garland is right to prioritize domestic terrorism, but he'll need a bigger boat MORE (@VP) February 21, 2018
Billy Graham's ministry for the gospel of Jesus Christ and his matchless voice changed the lives of millions. We mourn his passing but I know with absolute certainty that today he heard those words, "well done good and faithful servant." Thank you Billy Graham. God bless you(2/2)
— Vice President Mike Pence (@VP) February 21, 2018
First lady Melania Trump
Melania TrumpJill Biden picks up where she left off The Hill's 12:30 Report: Biden navigates pressures from Dems Former first lady launches 'Office of Melania Trump' MORE praised Graham's "impactful life."
Saddened by the loss of Evangelist Billy Graham. He led an impactful life, touching so many people with his spiritual teachings. He will be deeply missed.
— Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) February 21, 2018
Graham was known for being one of the first televangelists.
Prominent evangelical Christians, including members of Trump's evangelical advisory board, also expressed their condolences following Graham's death.
“Today, the most influential evangelist in modern history, Rev. Billy Graham, stepped into the corridors of eternity. He preached the Gospel, lived with integrity and changed the world. I will never stop being grateful for the impact he has had on my life. May his death, as in life, point all people to the cross of Jesus Christ and His glorious Gospel," Hispanic Evangelical leader Dr. Samuel Rodriguez said in a statement.
Billy Graham has always been and will always be a hero in our home. Next to my own father, Reverend Graham was the most humble and gracious man I ever knew. I am honored to call him a friend and a mentor. Victoria and I will miss him dearly. pic.twitter.com/8kkj3kYRJo
— Joel Osteen (@JoelOsteen) February 21, 2018
Billy Graham was, in my view, the most important evangelist since the Apostle Paul. He preached Christ, not himself, not politics, not prosperity. When many saw evangelicals as just so many Emer Gantrys, he carried unimpeachable personal integrity.
— Russell Moore (@drmoore) February 21, 2018
We celebrate the home-going of Billy Graham—the most impactful evangelist since the Apostle Paul.
— Dr. Robert Jeffress (@robertjeffress) February 21, 2018
Dr. Graham was a member of our @firstdallas church for more than 54 yrs. I'm sure the first words he heard upon his arrival in heaven were, "Well done, good and faithful servant!"
Thank you Jesus for the Life of Rev. Billy Graham. Through his simple message of Salvation through Jesus, millions have given their hearts to Jesus. Good and Faithful Servant. pic.twitter.com/S4VIQlEcKD
— Pastor Mark Burns (@pastormarkburns) February 21, 2018
Graham's son Franklin Graham, an outspoken conservative and an ardent supporter of the president, honored his father's work as a pastor on Tuesday.
My father @BillyGraham was once asked, “Where is Heaven?” He said, “Heaven is where Jesus is and I am going to Him soon!” This morning, he departed this world into eternal life in Heaven, prepared by the Lord Jesus Christ—the Savior of the world—whom he proclaimed for 80 years.
— Franklin Graham (@Franklin_Graham) February 21, 2018
Graham served as an adviser to numerous presidents, including former Presidents Truman, Nixon and Obama.
"Broadminded, forgiving, and humble in his treatment of others, he exemplified the life of Jesus Christ by constantly reaching out for opportunities to serve. He had an enormous influence on my own spiritual life, and I was pleased to count Reverend Graham as one of my advisors and friends," former President Carter said in a statement.
Former President George H. W. Bush praised Graham's legacy in a statement, calling him "America's pastor."
"I think Billy touched the hearts of not only Christians but people of all faiths because he was such a good man," Bush said.
Lawmakers, governors, candidates and other members of the U.S. political community also remembered and honored Graham's legacy.
"In 1979, my first year as governor, he invited me to play the piano at the Billy Graham Crusade in Nashville. He took a considerable risk in doing that, but it is an experience I will always remember," Sen. Lamar Alexander
Lamar AlexanderCongress addressed surprise medical bills, but the issue is not resolved Trump renominates Judy Shelton in last-ditch bid to reshape Fed Senate swears-in six new lawmakers as 117th Congress convenes MORE (R-Tenn.) said in a statement.
"One of the finest moments of my career was having the opportunity to represent Reverend Graham when his Montreat home was placed in the 10th district. The personal kindness and hospitality Reverend Graham showed when inviting me into his home is something I will never forget," Rep. Patrick McHenry
Patrick Timothy McHenryOn The Money: House panel spars over GameStop, Robinhood | Manchin meets with advocates for wage | Yellen says go big, GOP says hold off House panel spars over GameStop frenzy, trading apps Robinhood CEO, regulators to testify at House hearing on GameStop frenzy MORE (R-N.C.) said.
Saddened by the passing of Rev. Billy Graham, a great American & faithful Christian who inspired millions of people with the gospel message. RIP.
— John McCainJohn Sidney McCainCindy McCain planning 'intimate memoir' of life with John McCain Trump-McConnell rift divides GOP donors Arkansas state senator says he's leaving Republican Party MORE (@SenJohnMcCain) February 21, 2018
Reverend Billy Graham's steadfast faith in God inspired me and many others across our nation to lead better lives. He will be missed. God bless. pic.twitter.com/OoXCDOneTt
— Rep. Steve ScaliseStephen (Steve) Joseph ScaliseMerrick Garland is right to prioritize domestic terrorism, but he'll need a bigger boat Why Congress must invoke the 14th Amendment now The Hill's Morning Report - Presented by The AIDS Institute - Ahead: One-shot vax, easing restrictions, fiscal help MORE (@SteveScalise) February 21, 2018
#BillyGraham was a pastor to presidents and a guiding light for millions of Americans for more than half a century. He will be missed on Earth, and embraced in Heaven. #GoodAndFaithfulServant
— Tim ScottTimothy (Tim) Eugene ScottLobbying world Powell pushes back on GOP inflation fears Trump ready to make McConnell's life miserable MORE (@SenatorTimScott) February 21, 2018
My home is in Heaven. I'm just traveling through this world. - #BillyGraham
— Louie GohmertLouis (Louie) Buller GohmertNIH director: Mask politicalization may have cost 'tens of thousands' of lives in US Democrats should make the 'Bee-Gees' the face of the Republican Party GOP lawmakers call for Pelosi to be fined over new screenings MORE (@replouiegohmert) February 21, 2018
Saddened to learn of Reverend Billy Graham’s passing. He inspired and changed millions of lives with his message of hope and grace. Praying for the Graham family and I join with our nation in mourning the loss of a great man and faith leader.
— Ronna McDanielRonna Romney McDanielSunday shows preview: 2024 hopefuls gather at CPAC; House passes coronavirus relief; vaccine effort continues Trump to attend private RNC donor retreat Juan Williams: The GOP is a party without ideas MORE (@GOPChairwoman) February 21, 2018
Praise God for the life and influence of Billy Graham who passed away last night. He was a man who boldly proclaimed the love of God and what it meant to be a Christian. If we all had his courage, the world would be a different place. 1/2
— Ben & Candy Carson (@RealBenCarson) February 21, 2018
Billy Graham lifted eyes toward heaven and instilled heaven’s values in hearts. The world mourns this man of character, this man of God.
— Mitt RomneyWillard (Mitt) Mitt RomneyThe Memo: CPAC fires starting gun on 2024 Trump at CPAC foments 2022 GOP primary wars Democrats scramble to rescue minimum wage hike MORE (@MittRomney) February 21, 2018
Today we remember the life and legacy of Billy Graham. His ministry was very special and for decades touched many millions around the world. He will be celebrated for generations to come. Sending prayers to the Graham family as they mourn his passing. RIP #BillyGraham pic.twitter.com/Z6BXFJpETW
— Doug Ducey (@dougducey) February 21, 2018
