US Senator Lindsey Graham, Trump ally, dies at 71

South Carolina Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a staunch ally of former President Donald Trump, died Saturday at the age of 71, his office announced. The influential senator succumbed to a brief and sudden illness, according to a statement released on his official X account.

Graham's office requested privacy for his family during this difficult time, adding that they "thank those who are praying for them." The statement noted that the senator was "always working" and was a "true American patriot."

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The 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!!!

Former President Donald Trump paid tribute to Graham on his Truth Social network, calling him "one of the greatest people and senators I have ever known." Trump added, "Lindsey will be greatly missed!!!"

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also offered condolences, stating that Israel had lost a dear friend. "Lindsey understood that the security of Israel and that of the United States are inseparable. Israel has lost one of its greatest friends. The United States has lost a great patriot. I have lost a very dear friend," Netanyahu said in a statement.

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Lindsey understood that the security of Israel and that of the United States are inseparable. Israel has lost one of its greatest friends. The United States has lost a great patriot. I have lost a very dear friend.