Senators were stunned to hear the news. President Trump called Graham one of the greatest people he has ever known.
WASHINGTON—South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham died on July 11, his office announced. He was 71 years old.
“On Saturday night, July 11th, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham passed away after a brief and sudden illness,” a statement posted to his social media accounts said. “Senator Graham’s family appreciates your prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult time.”
Graham’s death marks the death of a longtime conservative member of the Senate and one of President Donald Trump’s closest political allies.
During his more than 30 years in Washington, Mr. Graham played a key role in crafting important legislation that affected the lives of millions of Americans, while also establishing a reputation as a tough foreign policy hawk. The Republican died just a year after he helped pass “one big, beautiful bill” as chairman of the powerful Senate Budget Committee.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-South Dakota) called Graham a trusted advisor and colleague in a statement, saying “many presidents and heads of state trust his advisors.”
“His impact on the federal judiciary, national defense and his beloved South Carolina will be felt for generations,” Thune said.
President Trump, a friend of Graham’s, called the South Carolina senator “one of the greatest people and senators I’ve ever known.”
“He was always on the job and a true American patriot,” Trump wrote on social media. “Lindsay will be sorely missed!!!”
Mr. Graham is an Air Force veteran and former state legislator who served in the Capitol for more than 30 years. He first entered the House of Representatives after winning the 1994 election and was then elected to the Senate in 2002, replacing Strom Thurmond.
He was a major supporter of Israel in Washington and a fierce critic of Iran. Appearing on CBS News’ “Face the Nation” in June, Graham said the United States would “annihilate” the Islamic Republic if it contested control of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway that is a key negotiating point in the Iran war. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement that Israel had “lost one of its greatest friends.”
Mr. Graham remains a vocal defender of Ukraine, even as other Republicans have distanced themselves from publicly supporting the war-torn nation in recent years. The senator recently returned from the capital Kiev, where he met with President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on July 10 to discuss Ukraine’s air defense needs and Russia sanctions bill.
Politics reacts to Graham’s death
Tributes for Graham continued to pour in from colleagues in the early hours of Sunday morning.
“I will miss his infectious laugh, quick wit and zest for life,” said Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah).
“There are no words to describe his impact on American foreign and domestic policy,” said Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi), chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee.
“He stood steadfast for freedom and strength and fought for freedom around the world,” Wicker said in a statement. “It’s possible to succeed Lindsey Graham, but it’s impossible to replace him.”
“Lindsay Graham is an irreplaceable man,” South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster said in a statement posted to X, calling him “South Carolina and America’s fiercest warrior.”
This is a developing story.
Contributed by: Reuters
