Lindsey Graham, Republican 'hawk' who shaped U.S. foreign policy, dies at 71

Lindsey Olin Graham, a towering figure in the Republican Party for over two decades, has passed away at the age of 71. Serving as Senator for South Carolina since 2003, Graham was a lawyer, Air Force Reserve colonel, and a familiar face on U.S. political programs. His career was defined by unwavering positions on national security and foreign policy, cementing his image as a political "hawk."

Born in Central, South Carolina, Graham was the first in his family to attend university, earning degrees in Psychology and Law from the University of South Carolina. Before entering politics, he served in the U.S. Air Force's Judge Advocate General's Corps (JAG), working as a defense attorney and military prosecutor, and reaching the rank of colonel in the Air Force Reserve. Early personal tragedy marked his life; his mother died when he was 21, followed by his father's death 15 months later. At 22, Graham became the legal guardian for his younger sister, a close bond they maintained throughout their lives. He never married or had children.

Graham began his political journey in the South Carolina House of Representatives in 1992, moving to the federal House of Representatives three years later. In 2002, he was elected to the Senate, succeeding the long-serving Republican Strom Thurmond. During his Senate tenure, he was a member of influential committees, including Foreign Relations, Judiciary, and Budget. His relationship with Donald Trump was a significant feature of his later career. Initially a vocal critic during the 2016 Republican primaries, Graham evolved into one of Trump's closest Senate allies and a consistent defender of his policies. Despite his conservative profile, Graham also engaged in bipartisan efforts, particularly on immigration and other high-profile legislative negotiations, which helped him maintain influence in Washington across different administrations.