US Senator Lindsey Graham (RIP)
International Desk, July 12 (EFE).-
US Republican senator Lindsey Graham, a close ally of President Donald Trump, has died at the age of 71 after a sudden illness, his office announced early Sunday.
“On the evening of Saturday, July 11, US Senator Lindsey Graham passed away from a brief and sudden illness,” his office said in a statement. “Senator Graham’s family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period.”
No additional details were provided.
There had been no concerns publicly known about the senator’s health prior to his death. On Friday, he had been in Kyiv where he was pictured walking and talking with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who wrote on social media the pair had a “good meeting.”
Graham was once a vocal critic of Trump, running against him in the 2016 primaries and once calling him a “jackass” and “a race-baiting bigot,” but by the time of his death was one of the president’s closest allies and staunchest defenders.
Trump took to Truth Social to comment on his ally’s death, describing it as “so sad!”
“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!!! DETAILS AND ARRANGEMENTS TO FOLLOW. So sad!” Trump announced.
Just a few weeks ago, Trump had endorsed Graham’s reelection campaign for the November midterms, in which the entire House of Representatives and one-third of the Senate will be up for grabs, potentially altering the balance of power in Washington.
The retired air force reserve colonel and lawyer won his party’s primary in June for the November race against businessman Mark Lynch, after receiving Trump’s endorsement.
At the time, Trump highlighted on Truth Social his political and personal relationship with Graham, one of the president’s most loyal Republicans, at a time when several members of the party have questioned the costs of the war with Iran for American taxpayers.
“Senator Lindsey Graham is working incredibly hard for the great people of South Carolina, a state I love and won big in 2016, 2020, and 2024! Lindsey has been a wonderful friend and has always been there when I’ve needed him … Lindsey Graham has my complete and total endorsement for reelection,” the president wrote at the time.
The senator was serving his fourth consecutive six-year term in the Senate and was one of the Republican voices most critical of Iran and most supportive of Israel.
Israel’s National Security Minister wrote on X that “Today, Israel has lost one of its greatest friends.”
“Senator Lindsey Graham stood with Israel not because it was easy, but because he believed it was right. His unwavering support, courage, and moral clarity earned him the admiration of millions of Israelis,” he wrote. “The State of Israel will always remember his friendship, his unwavering support, and his steadfast commitment to Israel’s security. Heartfelt condolences to his family and to the American people.” EFE
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