Veteran Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, one of the most influential figures in American foreign policy and a longtime ally of President Donald Trump, has died at the age of 71.
Graham died on Saturday evening following what his office described as a “brief and sudden illness.”
His death brings an end to more than two decades in the United States Senate, where he became one of the Republican Party’s most recognisable voices on national security, military affairs and international diplomacy.
Trump Pays Tribute
President Donald Trump led tributes to the South Carolina senator, describing him as a devoted public servant and loyal friend.
Trump called Graham “a true American patriot” whose service to the United States would be remembered for generations.
“He will be greatly missed,” the president said.
The two men had developed a close political relationship in recent years, despite a turbulent history that initially saw Graham become one of Trump’s harshest Republican critics.
Final Overseas Visit to Ukraine
Graham had only just returned from Ukraine before his death.
On Friday, he met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv, marking his tenth visit to the country since Russia launched its full-scale invasion.
There had been no public indication that the senator was experiencing any health problems during the trip.
While in Kyiv, Graham continued working on legislation aimed at increasing sanctions against Russia.
He said the proposed sanctions package would provide President Trump with additional tools to pressure Moscow into ending the war.
Zelensky Leads International Tributes
President Zelensky expressed deep sorrow over Graham’s death, describing him as one of Ukraine’s strongest supporters in Washington.
He noted that Graham had stood alongside the Ukrainian people throughout the conflict.
“I am deeply saddened.”
“America and the world have lost a determined leader.”
Zelensky also highlighted Graham’s repeated visits to Ukraine during the war, saying he had been present “when our people needed him most.”
From Trump Critic to Loyal Ally
Although Graham eventually became one of Trump’s closest political allies, their relationship began with fierce public disagreements.
During the 2016 Republican presidential campaign, Graham strongly criticised Trump.
He described him as “a race-baiting, xenophobic, religious bigot” and warned that nominating Trump would damage the Republican Party.
Following the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol, Graham appeared to distance himself from the president.
Speaking on the Senate floor, he declared:
“Trump and I have had a hell of a journey.”
“I hate it to end this way.”
“Count me out. Enough is enough.”
However, the political relationship later recovered.
Graham voted against convicting Trump during his 2021 impeachment trial and became one of his most vocal supporters during the 2024 presidential election.
In a 2023 interview, Graham acknowledged Trump’s flaws but defended his presidency.
“There is a dark side to Donald Trump… and he was a very good president.”
He cited Trump’s handling of border security, the killing of Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani and the appointment of conservative federal judges among his major achievements.
Influential Voice on Foreign Policy
Elected to the US Senate in 2002, Graham built a reputation as one of Congress’s leading voices on defence and foreign affairs.
A consistent advocate of an interventionist foreign policy, he supported the US-led invasion of Iraq following the September 11 terrorist attacks and frequently argued for maintaining a strong American military presence overseas.
He was also a vocal opponent of the 2021 withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan.
At the time, he warned that the withdrawal would damage American credibility around the world.
“Jihadists all over the world are celebrating.”
“America will be seen as weak.”
Strong Supporter of Israel
Graham was widely recognised as one of Israel’s strongest supporters in the US Congress.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu paid tribute to the senator, describing him as one of Israel’s closest friends.
“Lindsey understood that the security of Israel and America are inseparable.”
“Israel has lost one of its greatest friends.”
End of a Long Political Career
Throughout more than twenty years in the Senate, Graham remained a central figure in debates over national security, military intervention and America’s role in global affairs.
His sudden death leaves a vacancy in the Senate and marks the end of one of the most prominent Republican political careers of the past two decades.
Tributes have continued to pour in from political leaders in the United States and around the world as colleagues remember Graham’s decades of public service and influence on American foreign policy.
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