US Senator Lindsey Graham passes away at 71; Longtime Trump ally leaves behind decades-long legacy

Washington: US Senator Lindsey Graham, a senior Republican leader from South Carolina and a close political ally of President Donald Trump, has died at the age of 71 following a brief and sudden illness, according to a statement released by his office.

Graham’s office confirmed his death on Saturday evening, July 11, and requested privacy for his family during the difficult period.

Family Requests Privacy After Senator’s Death

In a statement, Graham’s office said his family appreciated the support and prayers being offered while asking for privacy as they mourn his loss.

“On the evening of Saturday, July 11, US Senator Lindsey Graham passed away from a brief and sudden illness,” the statement said, adding that his family sought respect and understanding during the challenging time.

The news marks the end of a long political career spanning decades in Washington, where Graham became one of the most recognized voices in the Republican Party.

Graham Met Ukrainian President Before Death

Just days before his passing, Graham met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv. Zelenskyy shared details of the meeting, describing it as another expression of Graham’s continued support for Ukraine.

The visit was reportedly Graham’s 10th trip to the country, highlighting his involvement in international affairs and foreign policy discussions.

A Long Political Career in US Senate

Lindsey Graham was first elected to the US Senate in 2002 and went on to win re-election in 2008, 2014 and 2020. In 2008, he became the first candidate in South Carolina history to receive more than one million votes in a general election.

Before joining the Senate, Graham served in the US House of Representatives after being elected in 1994. He became the first Republican from South Carolina’s Third Congressional District to hold the seat since the 19th century.

Known for Strong Foreign Policy Positions

Graham built a reputation for his strong views on international security, particularly on issues involving Iran, Russia and national defense. He frequently advocated tougher policies against Iran’s nuclear and missile programs.

During Donald Trump’s presidency, Graham emerged as one of the former president’s closest allies and regularly advised him on foreign policy matters. He also remained active in discussions on sanctions against Russia and other global issues.

A prominent figure in Republican politics, Graham’s career included a brief 2016 presidential campaign attempt before he became a key supporter of Trump’s administration.