US Senator Lindsey Graham dies at 71 after sudden illness

U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, a prominent Republican figure known for his influence on foreign policy and close ties to former President Donald Trump, has died at the age of 71. His office announced his passing on Saturday, August 15, following a brief and sudden illness.

According to preliminary findings from the Washington, D.C., medical examiner, Graham's death resulted from complications of an aortic dissection, attributed to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Emergency responders were called to his Washington residence after he reported experiencing chest pains.

Graham, first elected to the Senate in 2002, established himself as a leading voice on national security and foreign affairs. He consistently advocated for robust U.S. military engagement abroad, strongly supporting Israel and Ukraine while maintaining a hardline stance against Iran. His career also mirrored the Republican Party's evolution, transitioning from a vocal critic of Donald Trump in 2016 to one of his staunchest allies on Capitol Hill.

Despite his close alliance with Trump, Graham occasionally diverged, notably acknowledging Joe Biden's election victory after the January 6th Capitol attack. However, he later reconciled with Trump and became a steadfast supporter of his agenda, citing immigration policies, judicial appointments, and national security as key reasons. Graham was also a frequent visitor to Ukraine, making his tenth trip shortly before his death, and consistently urged continued U.S. military assistance and sanctions against Russia.

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What a terrible loss it is. He was a great politician and a natural.