Lindsey Graham, a Republican senator and a key ally of Donald Trump, died suddenly at the age of 71 after a brief illness.
International news agencies reported that Lindsey Graham, an important U.S. Republican senator who transformed from a fierce critic of Donald Trump to one of his most loyal allies in Congress after Trump became president, has died at age 71.
The South Carolina senator's office posted on the X platform early Sunday morning, 12 Jul 2026 GMT+7, stating that Graham died after "a sudden illness and a brief period of sickness."
U.S. media reported that emergency responders were called to assist him following a sudden cardiac arrest at his residence near the Capitol building on Saturday night.
"Senator Graham's family thanks everyone for their prayers at this time and requests privacy during this extremely difficult period," his office said.
The television station revealed that Graham had just returned from a visit to Ukraine and was originally scheduled to appear on the "Meet the Press" interview program on Sunday morning.
Shortly after news of Graham's death was announced, Donald Trump praised him as "one of the greatest individuals and senators I have ever known" and a patriot who worked diligently.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his "deep sorrow," praising Graham as a "defender of freedom and values that truly make our world safer."
Graham's website noted that as a hawkish politician, he "consistently pushed for results in the war on terror to protect long-term national security interests." He was also a key supporter of Israel and Ukraine, as well as an opponent of Iran.
Several Israeli officials also expressed condolences. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated in a declaration, "Israel has lost one of its greatest friends, America has lost a great patriot, and I have lost a beloved friend."
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz posted on X that he was deeply saddened by Graham's death, calling him "a steadfast supporter of Israel during its most difficult times."
Recently, Graham held the position of chairman of the Senate Budget Committee. He was also a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, the Senate Judiciary Committee, and the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.
Previously, Graham served as an Air Force lawyer and was a member of the South Carolina Air National Guard. He was elected to the Senate in 2002 and had earlier been elected as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives in 1994, representing South Carolina's 3rd congressional district.
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Source:cna