Longtime Republican Senator Lindsey Graham has died following a brief and sudden illness, according to a statement released by his office on Saturday evening. His representatives noted that the family is requesting privacy during this difficult time and expressed appreciation for the public’s prayers.
Graham, who first entered the US Senate in 2002, was a prominent figure in Washington, particularly known for his influential role in foreign policy. He had recently returned to the United States from Kyiv, where he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday. According to reports, there were no indications of health concerns prior to his travel.
A staunch advocate for American support of Ukraine, Graham had frequently emphasized the geopolitical importance of the region. In 2023, he told the BBC that “Putin will not stop in Ukraine” and warned that weakness in the region could have negative implications for Taiwan. During his final trip to Ukraine, he was actively working on a Russia sanctions bill intended to provide President Trump with the necessary tools to bring an end to the ongoing war.
Throughout his political career, Graham served as the Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee. While he had historical clashes with Donald Trump, he ultimately became one of the former president’s most loyal supporters. Reflecting on his alliance with Trump in 2023, Graham acknowledged a “dark side” to the politician but maintained his support based on Trump’s record, which included the appointment of conservative judges, the killing of Iranian official Qasem Soleimani, and policies regarding the US southern border.
Following the news of his death, President Donald Trump paid tribute to the senator on social media, describing him as a “true American Patriot.”
