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Senator Lindsey Graham, one of the most recognizable Republican lawmakers in the United States and a longtime ally of President Donald Trump, has died at the age of 71 after what his office described as a "brief and sudden illness."
According to an official statement released by Graham's staff, the South Carolina senator passed away on Saturday evening. His family requested privacy while expressing gratitude for the support and prayers they have received.
Graham had served in the U.S. Senate since 2003 after previously representing South Carolina in the House of Representatives. Over more than two decades in Congress, he became one of the Republican Party's leading voices on national security, foreign policy, judicial appointments, and defense issues.
Just one day before his death, Graham was in Kyiv, Ukraine, where he met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. During the visit, the senator discussed continued U.S. support for Ukraine and efforts aimed at increasing pressure on Russia through additional sanctions. Officials close to Graham said there had been no public indication that he was experiencing health problems before the trip.
President Donald Trump paid tribute to the senator shortly after the announcement, calling Graham "a true American patriot" and praising his years of public service and dedication to the country.
Leaders from around the world also expressed condolences. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described Graham as a strong supporter of Ukraine, noting that he had visited the country numerous times since Russia's full-scale invasion. Zelenskyy said Graham consistently backed efforts to defend Ukraine and strengthen international cooperation.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte honored Graham for his commitment to the alliance and his advocacy for transatlantic security. European officials from several NATO member states also praised his longstanding support for the alliance and regional stability.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remembered Graham as one of Israel's closest friends in the U.S. Congress. Netanyahu said the senator played an important role in strengthening U.S.-Israel relations and remained a reliable supporter of Israel throughout his political career.
Graham's influence extended far beyond foreign policy. He served as chairman of both the Senate Judiciary Committee and the Senate Budget Committee during his career, helping shape major legislation, judicial confirmations, and Republican policy priorities.
Although Graham was initially one of Donald Trump's strongest Republican critics during the 2016 presidential campaign, the two later developed a close political partnership. Over the following years, Graham became one of Trump's most trusted allies in Congress and frequently advised the president on international affairs and national security issues.
Before entering politics, Graham earned a law degree from the University of South Carolina and served as a military lawyer in the U.S. Air Force. He continued his military service through the Air Force Reserve and South Carolina Air National Guard before retiring with the rank of colonel.
His death creates an unexpected vacancy in the U.S. Senate. Under South Carolina law, Governor Henry McMaster is expected to appoint a temporary replacement until voters elect a successor according to the state's election process.
Lawmakers from both parties have acknowledged Graham's decades of public service, while political leaders across the United States and abroad continue to recognize his influence on American foreign policy, national defense, and international diplomacy.
The exact cause of Graham's sudden illness has not yet been publicly disclosed.
