Politicians, faith leaders react to passing of Billy Graham
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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 directed Cohen to lie to Congress about plans to build Trump Tower in Moscow during 2016 campaign: report DC train system losing 0k per day during government shutdown Senate Republicans eye rules change to speed Trump nominees 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 TrumpOvernight Defense: Trump says he won't declare emergency 'so fast' | Shutdown on track to become longest ever | Military begins withdrawing equipment from Syria | Bolton taps new deputy Bolton names replacement for deputy who clashed with first lady The Hill's Morning Report — Groundhog Day: Negotiations implode as shutdown reaches 20 days 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 AlexanderMcConnell blocks House bill to reopen government for second time Senators restart shutdown talks — and quickly hit roadblocks GOP senators propose bill to pay 'excepted' workers during shutdown 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 McHenryOn The Money: Shutdown Day 26 | Pelosi calls on Trump to delay State of the Union | Cites 'security concerns' | DHS chief says they can handle security | Waters lays out agenda | Senate rejects effort to block Trump on Russia sanctions Local banks can lead bipartisan efforts on financial regulation Senate agrees to last-ditch talks, but no clear path over shutdown 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 Evangelism Death Christianity