According to NBC News, on July 12, longtime Republican U.S. Senator and close political ally of President Donald Trump, Lindsey Graham, died at the age of 71 following a “brief and sudden illness.” Following the announcement, politicians across the United States and leaders from multiple countries expressed their condolences.
Graham’s office issued a statement confirming that the Republican heavyweight from South Carolina, who had served in the U.S. Senate for more than 20 years, passed away Saturday evening.
The statement said: “Senator Graham’s family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period.”
According to NBC News, emergency responders in Washington, D.C., were dispatched to Graham’s residence that evening to respond to a “cardiac arrest” incident. However, officials have not released additional details regarding the exact cause of death.
Trump later posted a tribute on Truth Social, writing: “Senator Lindsey Graham, one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known, is dead! He was always working, and was a true American Patriot. Lindsey will be greatly missed!!! DETAILS AND ARRANGEMENTS TO FOLLOW. So sad!”
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Lindsey Graham’s final public appearance came days after Ukraine visit
Just days before his death, Graham had completed a visit to Ukraine, where he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss the Russia-Ukraine war and sanctions against Moscow. The meeting became his final public appearance.
After the visit, Graham announced that he had reached an agreement with the Trump administration to advance a bipartisan sanctions bill aimed at increasing economic pressure on Russia by targeting countries that continue purchasing Russian energy.
After learning of Graham’s death, Zelenskyy said Graham had long been a key bipartisan supporter of Ukraine in the United States. He noted that Graham had continued pushing for stronger sanctions against Russia in recent weeks in hopes of helping bring about peace.
Zelenskyy wrote: “Deeply saddened by the news of the passing of United States Senator Lindsey Graham. Lindsey was a true defender of freedom and the values that make our world safer.”
From Trump critic to close ally: A hawkish foreign policy defined his career
Graham was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2002. Before that, he entered the U.S. House of Representatives in 1994. During his career, he served on several influential committees, including the Senate Appropriations Committee, Judiciary Committee, and Environment and Public Works Committee. In recent years, he also served as chairman of the Senate Budget Committee.
On foreign policy, Graham was known for his hard-line views and was one of the Republican Party’s most prominent “hawkish” lawmakers. He consistently advocated a tougher approach toward Iran and strongly supported Israel and Ukraine.
Although Graham publicly criticized Trump during the 2016 Republican presidential primary, their relationship improved rapidly after Trump entered the White House. Graham later became one of Trump’s closest congressional allies, frequently advising him on foreign policy, national security, and defense issues. He also often accompanied Trump during golf outings and publicly defended many of Trump’s major policies.
Regarding the Trump administration’s recent diplomatic and sanctions measures targeting Iran and Russia, Graham was among the strongest supporters.
World leaders pay tribute as military and legal background remembered
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel had lost one of its greatest friends, while the United States had lost a true patriot. He said Graham always believed that the security of the United States and Israel were inseparable and devoted his life to strengthening the strategic partnership between the two nations.
Beyond politics, Graham served as a U.S. Air Force Judge Advocate and was on active duty for approximately six and a half years. He later joined the South Carolina Air National Guard and was recalled to service during the Gulf War. Before retiring, he reached the rank of colonel in the Air Force Reserve and officially retired in 2015.
Graham was born in 1955 in Central, Pickens County, South Carolina. Raised in a modest family, he became the first member of his family to graduate from college. He graduated from the University of South Carolina, earning both undergraduate and law degrees, and was a longtime Baptist.
