US Senator Lindsey Graham Dies at 71 After Sudden Illness

Trump ally and influential foreign policy voice remembered by world leaders

US Senator Lindsey Graham, a prominent Republican lawmaker and close ally of President Donald Trump, has died at the age of 71 following what his office described as a “brief and sudden illness.”

Graham’s office announced his death on Saturday evening, saying his family had requested privacy during the difficult period.

The South Carolina senator, who had served in the US Senate since 2002, was one of Washington’s most recognised voices on foreign policy and national security.

Final trip to Ukraine before death

Graham had recently returned from Kyiv, where he met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday, just one day before his death.

The senator had been a strong supporter of Ukraine during its war with Russia and was working on legislation aimed at increasing pressure on Moscow through additional sanctions.

Zelenskyy expressed deep sadness over Graham’s death, saying the senator had visited Ukraine multiple times since Russia’s full-scale invasion and had stood with Ukrainians during difficult moments.

He described Graham as a determined leader whose loss would be felt in America and around the world.

Trump pays tribute to longtime ally

President Donald Trump honoured Graham after news of his death, describing him as a “true American Patriot.”

Although Graham and Trump had a complicated political relationship in the past, the senator later became one of Trump’s strongest supporters.

Graham backed Trump during the 2024 presidential election and opposed his conviction during Trump’s 2021 impeachment trial.

From critic to close supporter

Graham’s relationship with Trump changed significantly over the years.

During the 2016 presidential campaign, Graham was openly critical of Trump, warning that the Republican Party could face serious consequences if Trump became the nominee.

Following the January 2021 US Capitol riot, Graham also publicly criticised Trump, saying he could no longer support the president’s actions at the time.

However, Graham later became a key supporter, saying he believed Trump’s policies on issues including border security, foreign affairs and judicial appointments had produced positive results.

Legacy in US foreign policy

Throughout his political career, Graham focused heavily on national security, defence and international affairs.

He supported continued US involvement in Ukraine and opposed the withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan in 2021, arguing it could weaken US security interests.

Graham was also a strong supporter of Israel. Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu paid tribute to him, saying Israel had lost one of its greatest friends.

Political world reacts

Tributes have continued to come from political leaders in the United States and abroad following Graham’s death.

His passing marks the loss of a major figure in American politics who spent more than two decades shaping debates on foreign policy, defence and global security.