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U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, Trump ally and defender of Israel and Ukraine, dies at 71

From El Nacional · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, a key ally of former President Donald Trump and a staunch supporter of aid to Ukraine and Israel, has died at age 71.
  • His office announced his death Sunday following a

U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, a prominent Republican known for his foreign policy work and staunch support for Israel and Ukraine, died Sunday at the age of 71. His office attributed his death to a "brief and sudden illness."

His family thanks for the prayers during this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period.

— Graham's officeAnnouncing the senator's death.

Emergency services responded to a cardiac arrest call at Graham's home in Capitol Hill, according to police audio obtained by NBC News and other outlets. Graham, who represented South Carolina, was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1994 and to the Senate in 2002. He was re-elected to the Senate in 2008, 2014, and 2020.

Former President Donald Trump paid tribute to Graham on his Truth Social platform, calling him "one of the finest people and senators I have ever met" and a "true American patriot." Trump recalled Graham's work and noted he would be "greatly missed."

Senator Lindsey Graham, one of the finest people and senators I have ever met, has passed away! He was always working and was a true American patriot. Lindsey will be greatly missed!

— Donald TrumpPaying tribute to Graham on Truth Social.

Graham's relationship with Trump was complex. He once warned Republicans against supporting Trump, calling him a "racial bigot, xenophobe, and religious bigot" during Trump's 2016 presidential bid. He also famously declared "Enough is enough" regarding the January 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection, stating he would not defend Trump. However, Graham later voted against Trump's impeachment and supported his re-election campaign.

Lindsey understood that Israel's security and America's are inseparable... Israel has lost one of its greatest friends.

— Benjamin NetanyahuCommenting on Graham's death.

Graham was also a strong advocate for Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that "Israel has lost one of its greatest friends," and Israeli President Isaac Herzog added that Graham "stood by the people of Israel in our most difficult times." Graham's death comes as the Republican party navigates the prolonged hospitalization of former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, highlighting a period of uncertainty for the party's leadership.

We will never forget how he stood by the people of Israel in our most difficult times.

— Isaac HerzogRemembering Graham's support for Israel.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El Nacional in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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