US senator and close Trump ally Lindsey Graham dies after ‘brief and sudden illness’
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a longtime ally of US President Donald Trump and a prominent figure in American foreign policy, has died at the age of 71 after what his office described as a brief and sudden illness.
Graham passed away on Saturday evening, only a day after returning from Kyiv, where he had met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. His office said there had been no known health concerns before the trip.
First elected to the US Senate in 2002 to represent South Carolina, Graham became one of Washington’s most influential voices on national security and foreign affairs, consistently advocating a strong US military presence abroad.
President Trump paid tribute to the late senator, describing him as a “true American patriot” whose service to the country would be greatly missed.
President Zelensky also expressed his condolences, saying he was deeply saddened by Graham’s death and describing him as a determined leader whose influence extended beyond the United States.
Graham’s political relationship with Trump evolved significantly over the years. During the 2016 presidential campaign, he was one of Trump’s fiercest Republican critics, warning that the party would suffer if it nominated him. He also distanced himself from Trump following the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot.
However, the South Carolina senator later became one of Trump’s strongest allies, backing him during his impeachment trial and supporting his successful 2024 presidential campaign. Graham often defended Trump’s record on border security, judicial appointments and foreign policy.
Known for his hawkish positions, Graham was a vocal supporter of military assistance to Ukraine, tougher sanctions on Russia, and a hardline approach toward Iran. In one of his final television interviews last month, he warned that the United States should respond forcefully if Iran failed to comply with demands over the Strait of Hormuz.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also paid tribute, describing Graham as one of Israel’s closest friends and praising his longstanding support for the country’s security.
Throughout his Senate career, Graham consistently backed US military interventions, including the Iraq War, and opposed the withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan, arguing that it posed risks to US national security.
According to US media reports, emergency responders were called to Graham’s Washington, DC residence after reports of a man suffering cardiac arrest. His office later confirmed his death.
President Trump said he had spoken with Graham on Saturday evening and that the senator had appeared to be in good spirits. He described Graham as a determined lawmaker who fought tirelessly for the causes he believed in while remaining a respected public servant.
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