US senator and Trump ally Lindsey Graham dies aged 71
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- Prominent US Senator Lindsey Graham, a key ally of President Donald Trump, has died at age 71 following a brief illness.
- Graham was known for his foreign policy work, supporting the Iran war and urging support for Ukraine against Russia's invasion.
- Tributes poured in from political figures, including Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who remembered Graham as a patriot and a friend.
Lindsey Graham, a prominent Republican Senator from South Carolina and a significant ally of former President Donald Trump, has died at the age of 71. His office announced his passing on Sunday, stating it followed a "brief and sudden illness."
Senator Lindsey Graham, one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known, is dead! He was always working, and was a true American Patriot. Lindsey will be greatly missed!!!
Graham was a notable figure in foreign policy, advocating for a strong stance against Iran and consistently urging both the Trump and Biden administrations to support Ukraine in its defense against Russia's invasion. He had met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv as recently as Friday.
Donald Trump paid tribute to Graham on his Truth Social platform, calling him "one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known" and a "true American Patriot." 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 is inseparable from America's.
Lindsey is a great friend of Israel and a cherished friend of mine.
Graham's political journey included a presidential bid in 2016, during which he was highly critical of Trump. However, their relationship evolved, and Graham later became a staunch supporter of Trump's presidency and re-election campaign. This shift, along with his strong advocacy for military intervention, marked his influence in Republican foreign policy circles.
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.
Emergency services reportedly responded to a call for "cardiac arrest" at Graham's Capitol Hill home on Saturday night. The senator's family has requested privacy during this difficult time.
Senator Graham was a beacon of moral clarity and a true leader of the U.S.-Israel partnership.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by Jamaica Observer. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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