Veteran United States Senator Lindsey Graham, a close political ally of President Donald Trump, has died at the age of 71 after what his office described as a “brief and sudden illness.”
Gatekeepers News reports that the South Carolina Republican passed away on Saturday evening, although no further details about the illness were disclosed.
Graham served in the US Senate for more than two decades after first being elected in 2002. Known for his influential role on national security and foreign policy, he chaired the Senate Judiciary Committee during Trump’s first administration and remained one of the President’s most trusted allies in Congress.
He had recently returned from a visit to Kyiv, Ukraine, where he met President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and discussed continued support for Ukraine and tougher sanctions on Russia.
Although Graham was a vocal critic of Trump during the 2016 Republican presidential primaries, the two later forged a close political relationship. He became one of Trump’s strongest defenders, advising him on key foreign policy matters and supporting many of his legislative priorities.
Following the announcement of his death, Trump paid tribute to Graham, describing him as “one of the greatest people and Senators” he had ever known and “a true American patriot.”
Graham’s office said his family has requested privacy during this difficult period, adding that details of funeral arrangements will be announced later. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster is expected to appoint a temporary replacement to fill the Senate seat until a special election is held, in line with state law.
