A leading figure in American politics is gone. Lindsey Graham, one of President Donald Trump’s closest allies in Congress, has died at the age of 71 after a brief illness, his office announced.
WASHINGTON, D.C., UNITED STATES — Lindsey Graham, the senior United States senator representing South Carolina, has died at the age of 71 after what his office described as a “brief and sudden illness.” The announcement came early Sunday in a statement released by his communications team, which asked for privacy for his family during the mourning period. Officials did not immediately disclose the exact cause of death.
Why This Happened
According to a statement from Senator Graham’s office, he died on Saturday evening following a brief illness. No additional medical details were provided.
Graham served in the U.S. Senate since 2003 after previously representing South Carolina in the U.S. House of Representatives. During his career, he became one of the Republican Party’s most influential voices on national security, foreign policy and judicial appointments.
What They Said
In its statement, Graham’s office said his family appreciated the prayers and support they had received and requested privacy during the difficult period.
President Donald Trump led tributes to the late senator, describing him as a loyal friend and a dedicated public servant. Other American and international leaders also paid tribute to Graham’s decades of service in public office.
Who Is Lindsey Graham?
Lindsey Graham was a Republican lawmaker from South Carolina who served in the U.S. Senate for more than two decades. Before joining the Senate, he served in the U.S. House of Representatives and built a reputation as one of Washington’s leading voices on defence and foreign affairs.
Although he criticised Donald Trump during the 2016 Republican presidential primary, Graham later became one of Trump’s strongest allies in Congress and frequently defended the administration’s domestic and foreign policy agenda.
What This Means for the United States
The development means South Carolina will lose one of its longest-serving senators, while Republicans in Washington face the task of filling the vacancy under state law. Graham’s death also marks the end of a political career that influenced U.S. foreign policy, judicial nominations and conservative legislation for more than 20 years. State officials are expected to announce the next steps for filling the Senate seat in accordance with South Carolina law.
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