US Senator Lindsey Graham has died at the age of 71 after a brief and sudden illness, his office confirmed on July 12. The influential Republican from South Carolina had returned from Kyiv hours before his death. “Senator Graham passed away after a sudden and brief illness,” the statement said, adding that his family “respectfully asks for your prayers and privacy during this difficult time.”

Reactions from Trump, Trump, and South Carolina

President Donald Trump paid tribute to Graham on Truth Social, calling him “a true American Patriot” and “one of the best people and senators I have ever known.” South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster expressed deep grief, describing Graham as “the fiercest of fighters for South Carolina and America—and a loyal and steadfast friend.”

Trump’s statement continued: “We shall not see his likes again.” McMaster also noted that Graham’s death left his family and staff “devastated.”

Foreign Policy and Trump Alliance

Lindsey Graham was a prominent voice in U.S. foreign policy and a staunch advocate for support to Ukraine. He had just returned from a trip to Kyiv, where he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday. Zelensky had thanked Graham for his 10th visit to Ukraine and shared images of their meeting.

Graham was a key ally of former President Trump, despite early disagreements. In a 2023 interview with the BBC, Graham acknowledged that Trump had a “dark side,” but said, “I am sticking with him because I saw what he did,” citing Trump’s actions on the southern border, the killing of Iran’s Qasem Soleimani, and the appointment of conservative judges.

Graham was also a strong proponent of U.S. support for Ukraine, warning that “to be weak in Ukraine means that you lose in Taiwan.” During his most recent trip, he was working on a version of the Russia sanctions bill that he said would give “tools to President Trump to end this war.”

Political Legacy and Personal Life

First elected to the Senate in 2002, Graham represented South Carolina for over two decades. He chaired the Senate Budget Committee and was a frequent presence at the Munich Security Conference. He had recently won the Republican primary and was set to seek a fifth term in the November midterm elections.

Graham turned 71 the previous week and had remained politically active until his death. NBC reported that his home received a call reporting that he had “collapsed from a heart attack,” and paramedics were dispatched. No prior health concerns were reported before his trip to Kyiv.

Graham was known for his hardline stance on foreign policy and was closely associated with both Trump and the late Senator John McCain. He will be remembered for his key role in shaping U.S. foreign policy and for his evolving political alliances in Washington.