US Senator Lindsey Graham Dies at 71 After Sudden Illness

US Senator Lindsey Graham, a prominent Republican figure who became one of Donald Trump's closest allies in Congress, has passed away at the age of 71.

The South Carolina lawmaker died after a brief and sudden illness, according to an announcement from his office on Sunday. US media reports indicated that emergency medical teams responded to a call at his Capitol Hill home on Saturday evening.

Following the announcement, former President Donald Trump paid tribute to Graham, calling him "one of the greatest people and senators I have known" and a dedicated patriot.

During the 2016 presidential campaign, when Graham was running against Trump for the Republican nomination, he was highly critical of him. At the time, Graham posted on social media: "If we nominate Trump, we will get destroyed ... and we will deserve it."

Although he later became a close supporter of the former president, Graham did not always agree with him. In early 2025, he publicly disagreed with Trump's decision to pardon approximately 1,500 supporters who were involved in the US Capitol incident on January 6, 2021, warning that the decision could lead to further violence.

International Relations and Foreign Policy

As a strong supporter of national defense, Graham consistently advocated for policies to protect US national security interests. He was a well-known supporter of Israel and Ukraine, and a vocal critic of Iran.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz expressed his sadness over the news, posting on social media that Graham was someone "who stood with Israel at its most difficult moments."

Shortly before his passing, Graham visited Kyiv, where he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to discuss military support and sanctions against Russia. During his visit, Graham suggested that China could play a major role in bringing peace to the region.

"The road to ending this war, the road to peace, passes through Beijing more than it does (through) Washington, Kyiv, or Moscow," Graham told reporters. "China has an oversized influence. I'd like them to use their influence for the good of the world."

He added: "I don't believe (Russian President Vladimir) Putin is there yet, but it wouldn't take much to get him there."

Career and Public Service

During his long career in politics, Graham served as the chairman of the Senate Budget Committee. He was also an active member of several key Senate committees, including Appropriations, Judiciary, and Environment and Public Works.

Before his election to the US Senate in 2002, Graham served in the US House of Representatives starting in 1994. He also had a background in law and military service, having worked as an Air Force lawyer and serving as a member of the South Carolina Air National Guard.

Senator Graham was unmarried and lived in Seneca, South Carolina.