U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, Trump Ally, Dies at 71

Influential U.S. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a key ally of former President Donald Trump, died Tuesday at the age of 71 following a brief, sudden illness. His office confirmed his death, issuing a statement that his family is grateful for prayers and requesting privacy during this difficult time.

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Senator Graham died suddenly on Saturday evening after a brief illness. His family is grateful for prayers during this difficult time and asks for privacy.

Former President Trump paid tribute to Graham on social media, calling him "one of the greatest men and senators" he had ever known and a "true American patriot." Trump added, "We will miss Lindsey!!!"

Graham, a senator from South Carolina, had a notable shift in his relationship with Trump, initially being a critic before becoming a strong supporter, though they occasionally differed on certain issues, particularly in foreign policy. He was known for his hawkish approach to U.S. defense and foreign policy and also chaired the Senate Budget Committee.

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Senator Lindsey Graham, one of the greatest men and senators I have ever known, is dead. He was always working and was a true American patriot. We will miss Lindsey!!!

Graham had recently returned from Kyiv, where he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday. He was a vocal supporter of Ukraine in its conflict with Russia and a strong ally of Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his condolences, stating that Israel had lost one of its best friends.

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There is a dark side to Donald Trump (...) and he was a very good president. But I am with him because I saw what he did.