U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, Trump Ally and Foreign Policy Advocate, Dies at 71

U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, a significant Republican figure and a key ally of former President Donald Trump, died Sunday at the age of 71 following a "brief and sudden illness," his office announced. Graham, a senator from South Carolina, was a notable voice in foreign policy, known for his staunch support of the Iraq War and, in recent years, his strong advocacy for aiding Ukraine in its defense against Russia's invasion.

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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 very missed!

Emergency services responded to a "cardiac arrest" call at Graham's Capitol Hill residence, according to police audio obtained by NBC News and other outlets. His office released a statement on X, formerly Twitter, stating, "His family appreciates the prayers during this time and requests privacy during this incredibly difficult period."

Former President Trump paid tribute to Graham on his Truth Social account, calling him "one of the finest people and senators I have ever met" and a "true American patriot." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also issued a statement, noting that Graham "understood that Israel's security and America's are inseparable" and that "Israel has lost one of its greatest friends."

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

Graham, who served in the House of Representatives from 1994 and the Senate from 2002, had a complex political career. He once unsuccessfully sought the presidency in 2016, warning against Trump's candidacy due to his rhetoric. Graham also had a period of strong criticism towards Trump following the January 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection, stating his Republican colleagues "could not count on him" to defend the then-president. However, he later restored his relationship with Trump and supported his re-election campaign. Graham's background as a military lawyer, reaching the rank of Air Force colonel, significantly shaped his interventionist foreign policy stance.

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His family appreciates the prayers during this time and requests privacy during this incredibly difficult period.