Republican U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, one of President Donald Trump’s closest political allies and a leading voice on foreign policy, has died at 71.
Graham passed away Saturday evening after what his office described as a “brief and sudden illness.” His family requested privacy as they mourn his death.
The South Carolina Republican was first elected to the Senate in 2002 and spent more than two decades shaping debates on national security and international affairs. At the time of his death, he was serving as chairman of the Senate Budget Committee.
Just one day before his death, Graham was in Kyiv meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. During the visit, he continued to advocate for U.S. support of Ukraine and was helping advance legislation that would strengthen sanctions against Russia. There had been no public indication that he was experiencing health problems before the trip.
President Donald Trump honored Graham in a social media post, calling him a “true American Patriot” and praising his years of public service. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also expressed condolences, saying he was deeply saddened by the senator’s sudden passing.
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