Sen. Lindsey Graham, a close Trump ally, dies after a brief and unexpected illness, his office says

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, a dominant voice in American foreign policy and a key congressional ally to President Donald Trump, has died at the age of 71 following a short, sudden illness, according to an announcement from his office.

The statement, released on social media late Saturday night, did not specify the cause of death for the South Carolina Republican and former Air Force attorney. The family requested privacy and prayers during this challenging time.

Tributes From Political Leaders

President Donald Trump expressed his grief on social media early Sunday morning, praising the late lawmaker’s dedication.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) also issued a statement reflecting on the loss of his colleague:

 On Graham’s Legacy: Thune called him a “strong advocate for the United States” who believed in using American power to promote global good.

 On Their Freedom-Loving Allies: He noted that Graham spent his life championing freedom alongside international partners.

A Legacy of Global Influence

Graham was a central figure in shaping Washington’s foreign policy landscape, regularly advising the Trump administration on critical issues involving nations like Iran and Russia.

Even in his final days, the senator remained active on the international stage. He had recently returned from a trip to Ukraine, where he finalized an agreement with the Trump administration to advance a new round of sanctions against Russia. Graham had been scheduled to discuss these developments on NBC’s Meet the Press on Sunday morning.