US Senator Lindsey Graham, a key ally of Donald Trump, died on Saturday evening from a sudden illness, his office announced. He was 71.
Sudden death and emergency response
Graham's office said in a statement: "On the evening of Saturday 11 July, US senator Lindsey Graham passed away from a brief and sudden illness." The statement gave no further details, citing the family's request for privacy.
According to police scanner audio reported by the Washington Post, emergency services received a call at about 8.30pm regarding a person suffering chest pains at Graham's home on Capitol Hill. About 25 minutes later, personnel reported CPR was in progress and a man was suffering cardiac arrest.
Graham had just turned 71 on Thursday and visited Ukraine last week, meeting President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who wrote on social media on Friday: "I'm grateful to Lindsey for recognizing our warriors."
Political career and relationship with Trump
Graham served in the Senate since 2003, representing South Carolina, and was running for re-election in November. He was initially a sharp critic of Trump during the 2016 campaign, calling him a "jackass" and "race-baiting bigot," but later became one of his most loyal backers and a close confidant on foreign policy.
Trump posted on Truth Social: "Senator Lindsey Graham, one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known, is dead! He was always working, and was a true American Patriot."
Graham grew up in Central, South Carolina, and was the first in his family to attend college, earning degrees from the University of South Carolina. He served as an air force lawyer, was elected to the House in 1994, and managed Bill Clinton's impeachment trial in 1999.
Foreign policy hawk and legacy
Graham was known as a foreign policy hawk, supporting the Iraq war and urging military action against Iran. He opposed the nuclear deal with Iran and was a staunch defender of Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said: "Israel has lost one of its greatest friends. America has lost a great patriot."
Graham was the last of the "three amigos" with Joe Lieberman and John McCain, both of whom predeceased him. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster said: "Lindsey Graham is irreplaceable. The fiercest of fighters for South Carolina and America."
Senate Majority Leader John Thune hailed Graham's international engagement, stating: "His influence on the federal judiciary, our national defense, and his beloved South Carolina will be felt for generations."
Graham's death raises scrutiny over transparency of lawmakers' health, as other members have recently faced health issues. McMaster may appoint a replacement to fill Graham's seat under state law.
