Prominent United States Senator Lindsey Graham, a longtime 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.”
The announcement was made in a statement posted on the senator’s official X account, confirming that Graham passed away on the evening of Saturday, July 11.
“Senator Graham’s family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period,” the statement read.
Graham’s death marks the end of a political career that spanned more than three decades and saw him become one of the most influential voices in the Republican Party on issues relating to national security, foreign policy and fiscal matters.
Before joining the United States Senate, Graham represented South Carolina in the U.S. House of Representatives after winning election in 1994.
He later secured election to the Senate in 2002, succeeding veteran Republican Senator Strom Thurmond.
Over the years, Graham successfully retained his Senate seat in elections held in 2008, 2014 and 2020, becoming one of South Carolina’s longest-serving federal lawmakers.
Most recently, he served as chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, where he played a leading role in shaping discussions on federal spending, taxation and fiscal policy.
Throughout his political career, Graham established a reputation as one of the Republican Party’s leading voices on defence and international affairs.
He was widely recognised for advocating a robust U.S. military presence abroad and frequently supported policies aimed at strengthening America’s global alliances.
Graham also maintained a close political relationship with President Donald Trump, becoming one of the president’s most vocal supporters in Congress despite previously being one of his critics during the 2016 Republican presidential primaries.
Following news of his death, tributes poured in from political leaders and public officials across the United States and abroad.
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster described Graham as an exceptional public servant whose contributions to both his home state and the nation would be remembered for generations.
“The fiercest of fighters for South Carolina and America — and a loyal and steadfast friend,” McMaster wrote in a tribute posted on X.
Beyond domestic politics, Graham was internationally known for his unwavering support for Israel and his strong positions on Middle East security issues.
He consistently backed closer U.S.-Israel relations and was regarded as one of Israel’s most reliable allies within the United States Congress.
He also frequently adopted a hardline approach toward Iran, supporting sanctions and other measures aimed at countering Tehran’s regional influence.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressed deep sorrow over the senator’s passing, describing him as a principled leader whose commitment to Israel remained steadfast throughout his years in public office.
“I was shocked and heartbroken to learn of Senator Lindsey Graham’s passing,” Herzog said in a statement posted on X.
“Senator Graham was a beacon of moral clarity and a true leader of the U.S.-Israel partnership.”
Herzog praised Graham’s enduring support for Israel during periods of conflict and uncertainty, saying his friendship would never be forgotten.
“We will never forget how he stood by the people of Israel in our most difficult moments, and we will remain eternally grateful for his sense of justice, truth and loyalty,” he said.
“The people of Israel mourn his loss, and I will miss my great friend very dearly.”
Graham’s passing is expected to trigger a series of official tributes in Washington, where he spent more than two decades serving in the Senate and was regarded as one of the chamber’s most recognisable Republican figures.
His death also creates a vacancy in South Carolina’s representation in the Senate, with attention expected to shift to the constitutional and legal process for filling the seat.
Political observers say Graham’s influence on U.S. foreign policy debates, defence legislation and budget negotiations made him one of the Republican Party’s most prominent lawmakers in recent decades.
His legacy is likely to be remembered through his extensive legislative career, his role in shaping American national security policy and his longstanding advocacy for strong international alliances.
