日本語
한국어
Tiếng Việt
简体中文
A recent incident on Capitol Hill, amidst a protracted government shutdown, saw South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham experience an unexpected moment of public disclosure, courtesy of his iPhone’s virtual assistant, Siri.
The candid moment unfolded as Graham reportedly attempted to discreetly initiate a phone call, only for Siri to loudly announce his intended recipient, revealing a conversation that was seemingly meant for private ears. The unforeseen tech blunder has since become a talking point, underscoring the sometimes-unpredictable nature of modern communication tools in the public eye.
The Siri Slip-Up Heard Around the Senate
The embarrassing interaction was first reported by Andrew Desiderio, a congressional reporter for Punchbowl News, who was present in the U.S. Capitol building. Desiderio shared the anecdote on X (formerly Twitter), detailing how Senator Graham whispered a command into his phone. In response, Siri loudly proclaimed, “Calling Sean Hannity mobile.”
This public announcement of a call to the prominent Fox News host quickly garnered widespread attention and sparked a flurry of reactions across the political spectrum. Some social media users highlighted the perceived double standard in political reporting, suggesting that a similar incident involving a Democratic senator calling a progressive media figure would incite a different level of scrutiny. Others found humor in the situation, playfully mocking the senator’s choice of virtual assistant.
Senator Graham’s Direct Response
Addressing the widely reported incident, Senator Graham issued a statement to PEOPLE, taking the gaffe in stride. He humorously retorted, “Siri: Tell my friends at PEOPLE to watch more Fox News. Why was I calling Sean Hannity? Breaking news: I like his show and I’ll be a guest tonight! Tune in.” This response confirmed his intention to connect with Hannity and indicated a planned appearance on the popular news program, turning a potentially awkward moment into a promotional opportunity.
Government Shutdown Context: Stalled Negotiations and Critical Impact
The Siri incident unfolded as the government shutdown approached its one-month mark, leaving Congress in a state of stalemate. With legislative activity curtailed, many lawmakers have been increasingly visible on various news outlets. The ongoing shutdown, now among the longest in U.S. history, is primarily driven by disagreements over the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
Democrats are pushing for an urgent extension of ACA tax credits to prevent a drastic increase in healthcare premiums for millions of Americans, citing overwhelming public support for the measure. Republicans, however, have refused to negotiate on the issue until the government is fully reopened. The impasse has led to significant concerns, with the U.S. Department of Agriculture publicly blaming congressional Democrats for the shutdown’s impact on crucial programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides food benefits to vulnerable citizens. Discussions are reportedly underway for “rifle-shot” bills designed to fund essential services, such as military salaries, facing immediate impact.
Past Incidents: Graham’s History of Unexpected Public Statements
This isn’t the first time Senator Graham has found himself in a noteworthy public moment. In May 2022, audio surfaced from a CNN broadcast featuring Graham’s remarks following the January 6th Capitol riots. In the recording, Graham appeared to criticize then-President Donald Trump for going “too far” and suggested that Joe Biden would be “the best person” to lead the country during that period of unrest. These comments, recorded on the day of the attack, revealed a private sentiment that contrasted with his later public posture.
Such instances highlight the complex and often scrutinized nature of political figures’ public and private communications, particularly in an era dominated by instant news and ubiquitous digital assistants.