U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, Trump ally and foreign policy advocate, dies at 71

U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, a significant Republican figure and influential ally of former President Donald Trump, has died unexpectedly at the age of 71. His office announced his passing on Sunday, stating that he succumbed to a "brief and sudden illness" on Saturday evening.

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He’s a tough one to lose. He was great. He was unique in every way, actually.

Graham, a senator from South Carolina, was a vocal advocate for a strong U.S. foreign policy, notably supporting Ukraine's defense against Russia's invasion and expressing unwavering support for Israel. His political career saw a complex evolution in his relationship with Trump, whom he initially opposed before becoming a staunch supporter, even after the January 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection.

Former President Trump paid tribute to Graham on the NBC program "Meet the Press," describing him as a "natural-born, hard-working politician" skilled in bipartisan dealings. Trump revealed they had spoken on Saturday evening, with Graham sounding tired after a trip to Ukraine. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remembered Graham as a "great friend of Israel and a cherished friend of mine," emphasizing Graham's understanding that Israel's security was inseparable from America's.

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Lindsey is a great friend of Israel and a cherished friend of mine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also expressed deep sadness, noting Graham's frequent visits to Ukraine, including one as recent as Friday. Zelensky stated, "He visited Ukraine ten times during the years of Russia’s full-scale invasion and was here with our people when it was most needed… America and the world have lost a determined leader."

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Lindsey understood that the security of Israel and America are inseparable. He devoted his life to defending America, strengthening our alliance and standing up for the free world.

Graham had recently secured a primary victory, positioning himself for a fourth Senate term in the upcoming November elections. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster will be responsible for appointing a successor to fill the remainder of Graham's term.

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He visited Ukraine ten times during the years of Russia’s full-scale invasion and was here with our people when it was most needed… America and the world have lost a determined leader.