US Republican Senator Lindsey Graham has died at the age of 71 following a brief and sudden illness, his office announced on Saturday.
Graham’s family requested privacy during what they described as a difficult time, according to a statement released by his office.
The South Carolina senator was elected to the US Senate in 2002 and became one of Washington’s most prominent voices on foreign policy. He was also a longtime ally of former President Donald Trump and served as chairman of the Senate Budget Committee.
Graham had recently returned from Kyiv, where he met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday. During the visit, he discussed continued US support for Ukraine and efforts related to a proposed Russia sanctions bill.
US President Donald Trump paid tribute to Graham, describing him as a “true American Patriot” in a social media post following his death.
Throughout his political career, Graham was a strong supporter of Ukraine and Israel. He also played a key role in debates over US national security, including the country’s military presence in Afghanistan and the broader fight against terrorism.
Although Graham had disagreements with Trump in the past, including after the 2021 Capitol riot, he later became one of the former president’s strongest supporters during the 2024 election campaign.
Israeli leaders also expressed condolences, with President Benjamin Netanyahu saying Graham was among Israel’s strongest supporters and a close friend of the country.
Graham’s death marks the loss of a Republican senator who spent more than two decades shaping US foreign policy and national security debates.
