Lindsey Graham remembered for a vision of American foreign policy that's fading in Washington

Senator Lindsey Graham, a prominent voice in American foreign policy for decades, died unexpectedly at age 71. Graham was known for advocating a robust U.S. military engagement globally and for prioritizing alliances with Europe and Israel, a stance that placed him as a unique bridge between the traditional Republican foreign policy consensus and Donald Trump's "America First" worldview.

Graham's passing comes as his party has increasingly embraced isolationist tendencies. He remained a steadfast supporter of Ukraine, notably contrasting with wavering commitments from within his own party. His death has prompted tributes from international leaders and diplomats, alongside criticism from countries like Iran, where he had previously advocated for military action.

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In an increasingly isolationist America, Sen. Graham was one of the last titans of the Senate who favored a muscular and engaged U.S. foreign policy. He is irreplaceable.

"In an increasingly isolationist America, Sen. Graham was one of the last titans of the Senate who favored a muscular and engaged U.S. foreign policy," said Paul Foldi, a former diplomat and top Republican staffer on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. "He is irreplaceable."

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His moral flexibility over the last few years has been disappointing to many who saw him as a principled patriot.

Graham's relationship with Donald Trump was complex, shifting from opposition to alliance. While he supported Trump's aggressive stance on Iran, he was often silent as Trump questioned NATO's value and pursued policies diverging from traditional U.S. foreign policy. Dan Baer, a former State Department official, noted Graham's "moral flexibility over the last few years has been disappointing to many who saw him as a principled patriot."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy remembered Graham as a "true defender of freedom," highlighting his frequent visits to Ukraine, including ten trips since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. Graham's final public act involved announcing an agreement with the Trump administration to advance sanctions against Russia, shortly after returning from Kyiv.

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was here with our people when it was most needed. He said that "Lindsey was a true defender of freedom