U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, one of President Donald Trump’s closest political allies and a leading Republican voice on foreign policy, has died at the age of 71 following a brief and sudden illness, his office announced on Saturday.
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In a statement posted on social media, Graham’s office confirmed the South Carolina senator passed away on Saturday evening but did not disclose the cause of death. His family requested privacy during what it described as an “incredibly difficult period.”
President Donald Trump led the tributes, calling Graham “one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known.”
“He was always working and was a true American patriot. Lindsey will be greatly missed,” Trump wrote on social media, adding that funeral arrangements would be announced later.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune also expressed sorrow over Graham’s passing, describing him as a dedicated public servant whose military and congressional career took him across the world in support of American interests and democratic allies.
Longtime Republican leader
Graham was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 2002 after serving four terms in the House of Representatives. Before entering politics, he served in the U.S. Air Force and later remained active in the Air Force Reserve.
Although he briefly sought the Republican presidential nomination in 2016 and initially criticized Trump, Graham later became one of the president’s most trusted allies, frequently advising him on foreign policy, national security and judicial appointments.
Strong voice on foreign policy
Known for his hawkish stance, Graham consistently advocated strong U.S. military engagement and robust support for allies including Ukraine and Israel.
Just days before his death, he visited Kyiv for talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and announced progress on a bipartisan sanctions package targeting Russia.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described Graham as “a great friend of Israel” and praised his unwavering support for the U.S.-Israel alliance.
Influential role in Congress
At the time of his death, Graham was serving as chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, playing a key role in advancing President Trump’s legislative agenda during his second term.
He previously chaired the Senate Judiciary Committee, overseeing the confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett in 2020. Graham also helped draft the bipartisan 2013 immigration reform proposal as a member of the “Gang of Eight,” although the legislation ultimately failed to become law.
Despite facing conservative primary challengers earlier this year, Graham secured the Republican nomination in South Carolina and was preparing for the November general election.
Questions remain
Graham’s office has not released further details regarding his illness or death. The limited information has renewed debate in Washington over transparency surrounding the health of elected officials.
His death marks the end of more than two decades in the Senate, during which he became one of the Republican Party’s most influential lawmakers and a prominent figure in shaping U.S. foreign policy.
