Politicians, faith leaders react to passing of Billy Graham
© Getty Images

Politicians and faith leaders across the country reacted Wednesday to the death of 99-year-old evangelical icon Billy Graham on Wednesday. 

President TrumpDonald John TrumpWarren defends, Buttigieg attacks in debate that shrank the field Five takeaways from the Democratic debate in Ohio Democrats debate in Ohio: Who came out on top? MORE and Vice President Pence, who is an evangelical, both put out tweets praising Graham's work as a televangelist and reverend. 

First lady Melania TrumpMelania TrumpMelania Trump breaks ground on new White House tennis pavilion Overnight Health Care — Presented by Coalition Against Surprise Medical Billing — Buttigieg unveils aggressive plan to lower drug prices | Supreme Court abortion case poses major test for Trump picks | Trump takes heat from right over vaping crackdown Kroger to stop sales of e-cigarettes at stores MORE praised Graham's "impactful life."

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.  

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.  

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 AlexanderAndrew (Lamar) Lamar AlexanderGOP braces for impeachment brawl McConnell tightlipped as impeachment furor grows GOP senator: 'Inappropriate' to discuss opponents, but impeachment a 'mistake' 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 McHenryPatrick Timothy McHenryHouse committee pressing Zuckerberg to testify on digital currency Libra House passes bill to protect cannabis industry access to banks, credit unions Manufacturing group leads coalition to urge Congress to reauthorize Ex-Im Bank MORE (R-N.C.) said.  

 

Tags Patrick McHenry Lamar Alexander Ronna McDaniel Louie Gohmert Melania Trump Steve Scalise Donald Trump John McCain Mitt Romney Mike Pence Tim Scott Billy Graham Death Christianity