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 TrumpTrump pushes back on recent polling data, says internal numbers are 'strongest we've had so far' Illinois state lawmaker apologizes for photos depicting mock assassination of Trump Scaramucci assembling team of former Cabinet members to speak out against Trump 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 TrumpEx-Melania Trump adviser raised concerns of excessive inauguration spending weeks before events: CNN The Hill's Morning Report - Trump moves green cards, citizenship away from poor, low-skilled White House seeks volunteers, musicians for Christmas celebrations 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 AlexanderThe Hill's Morning Report - How will Trump be received in Dayton and El Paso? McConnell faces pressure to bring Senate back for gun legislation Criminal justice reform should extend to student financial aid 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 McHenryHillicon Valley: Trump seeks review of Pentagon cloud-computing contract | FTC weighs updating kids' internet privacy rules | Schumer calls for FaceApp probe | Report says states need more money to secure elections Maxine Waters says her committee will call in Zuckerberg to testify about Libra House asks Facebook: 'What is Libra?' 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