In public and private, Trump, 80, has said he was shocked by Graham’s sudden death on July 11. But those close to the president emphasized that Trump has been rattled by the death of a close ally, nearly 10 years younger, according to the Washington Post.

“I said ‘You guys, I just can’t believe it,’” Trump told NBC News’s “Meet the Press” on July 12, describing his feelings after learning Graham had died.

In another interview with “Fox & Friends” on July 13, Trump reiterated that Graham was a “workaholic” and “just didn’t stop.”

Trump is expected to attend Graham’s funeral this afternoon and later lead a tribute to the former South Carolina senator at the Washington National Cathedral.

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