Full transcript of “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan,” July 12, 2026
Face the Nation Transcript: July 12, 2026 — Graham's Passing and Middle East Tensions
Today's Broadcast Lineup
Full transcript of Face the Nation - This edition of the program features several distinguished guests discussing critical developments both domestically and internationally. Republican Senator Tim Scott from South Carolina joins the conversation, alongside Israel's Ambassador to the United States, Michael Leiter. Ambassador Rahm Emanuel, who recently served as White House chief of staff and mayor of Chicago, also appears after his return from Japan. Republican Representative Mike Turner of Ohio, formerly chairing the House Intelligence Committee, rounds out the panel. Retired General Frank McKenzie, president of The Citadel and former commander of U.S. Central Command, provides military perspective on regional conflicts.
Readers may browse complete transcripts from 2026 of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" by following the provided link.
Breaking News: Senator Graham's Death and Regional Crises
Margaret Brennan opens the broadcast from Washington, noting two major stories developing simultaneously. Overnight, the Senate lost one of its most prominent members as Republican Lindsey Graham passed away. Meanwhile, tensions escalate in the Middle East as the United States and Iran exchange military strikes.
The unexpected announcement reached Washington early this morning. Senator Graham died from what his office described as a brief and sudden illness at seventy-one years old. Emergency dispatch calls revealed that first responders administered CPR before declaring cardiac arrest at Graham's residence in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of the nation's capital.
Brennan notes that Senator Graham was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1994 before transitioning to the Senate in 2003. Known for his distinctive Southern accent, he emerged as a unique voice on American national security policy and became a strong advocate for Ukraine. Graham had recently returned from Kyiv, where he met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday. Throughout his career, he urged both Trump and Biden administrations to adopt tougher positions on Russia, maintain close ties with Israel, and support robust military action against Iran.
Previously, Graham worked across party lines on challenging issues such as immigration reform alongside fellow senators John McCain and Joe Lieberman, a trio once nicknamed the Three Amigos. Though he had once challenged Donald Trump for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination, Graham evolved into a Trump ally in later years.
Trump's Tribute and Political Implications
Following Graham's death, President Trump posted a tribute on TRUTH Social, calling Graham "one of the greatest people and senators I have ever known and a true American patriot who was always working."
After thirty-one years serving in Congress, Graham had been campaigning for a fifth senatorial term. South Carolina's governor will now appoint an interim replacement to fill the remaining five months of the term. Republicans plan to organize a special primary election in August to select Graham's replacement for the November general election ballot.
Senator Tim Scott Reflects on Graham's Legacy
The program transitions to an interview with South Carolina Republican Senator Tim Scott. Brennan expresses condolences and asks Scott how Americans should remember Graham, noting his service in uniform and at the Capitol for decades.
Margaret, thank you for your condolences. And America certainly has lost a statesman. I have lost a friend. To remember Lindsey Graham, Margaret, is honestly to remember his very humble beginnings. I'm not sure everyone connects the dots on who he is and why he is. His mother dies of cancer; 15 months later, his dad dies of a massive heart attack. He adopts his 13-year-old sister when he was just 19 years old and a student at the University of South Carolina.
Scott continues, explaining that these difficult early experiences shaped Graham's worldview. As a public servant, Graham consistently ensured that those in need received assistance when he could provide it. He worked tirelessly to make invisible voices heard, demonstrating remarkable dedication throughout his career.
U.S.-Iran Military Developments
Brennan also highlights new developments overseas. U.S. Central Command initiated another wave of strikes against Iran following Tehran's military attack on a container ship in the Strait of Hormuz. This action came in defiance of American demands to maintain open navigation through the critical waterway. The program examines what lies ahead for regional security after President Trump announced that a fragile cease-fire agreement had collapsed.
The broadcast features former CENTCOM Commander Frank McKenzie, Ohio Republican Congressman Mike Turner, and Israel's Ambassador Dr. Michael Leiter to discuss these developments. Additionally, Democrat Rahm Emanuel joins the conversation after returning from delivering a speech in Tel Aviv about the future of U.S.-Israeli relations.
All of this and more awaits viewers on today's Face the Nation.