WASHINGTON: Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a longtime ally of U.S. President Donald Trump, has died at the age of 71 following a brief illness, according to reports from American media.
Graham’s family confirmed his death, saying the veteran lawmaker passed away after suffering a sudden deterioration in his health. No further details regarding the exact cause of death were immediately released.
The news has prompted an outpouring of tributes from political leaders in the United States and abroad, with many remembering Graham for his decades of public service, his influence on American foreign policy, and his close relationships with key international allies.
Senator Graham had recently returned from a visit to Ukraine, where he met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday to discuss the ongoing conflict with Russia and continued U.S. support for Kyiv. His meeting with the Ukrainian president was among his last publicly known official engagements.
Lindsey Graham was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 2002 and took office in January 2003, representing the state of South Carolina. Over the following two decades, he was repeatedly re-elected, becoming one of the most recognizable Republican figures in Congress.
Throughout his Senate career, Graham served on several influential committees and played an active role in shaping U.S. national security, defense, judicial, and foreign policy. He was widely known for his strong advocacy of a robust American military, close partnerships with U.S. allies, and an assertive approach to international affairs.
Although Graham had disagreements with Donald Trump during the 2016 Republican presidential primary campaign, the two later developed a close political alliance. In recent years, Graham became one of Trump’s most loyal supporters in Congress, frequently defending the president’s policies and legislative agenda.
His close relationship with Trump made him one of the Republican Party’s most influential voices on Capitol Hill. Graham was often involved in discussions on judicial appointments, immigration, military policy, and international diplomacy.
Reacting to the senator’s death, President Donald Trump paid tribute to his longtime friend and political ally.
“He was a great senator, a true patriot, and a close friend whose absence will always be felt,” Trump said in a statement, praising Graham’s dedication to public service and his commitment to the United States.
Trump also highlighted Graham’s decades-long contribution to American politics, saying he had served the nation with distinction and unwavering determination.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also expressed condolences following the senator’s passing.
In his message, Netanyahu described Graham as one of Israel’s greatest friends in the United States and said the Jewish state had lost one of its strongest supporters.
“Israel has lost one of its greatest friends,” Netanyahu said, noting that Graham consistently supported Israel’s security and advocated for strong U.S.-Israel relations throughout his political career.
Graham was widely regarded as one of the Senate’s most outspoken voices on foreign affairs. He frequently traveled overseas to meet with world leaders, military officials, and American allies, advocating policies aimed at strengthening U.S. strategic interests.
Over the years, he became known for his bipartisan relationships on national security issues, despite often taking firm partisan positions on domestic political debates.
His death comes at a time of heightened international tensions, including the ongoing war in Ukraine and conflicts in the Middle East, issues on which Graham remained actively engaged until his final days.
Political leaders from both major American parties are expected to honor Graham’s long career in public service. Flags are also expected to be lowered at various government institutions as a mark of respect, while members of Congress are likely to pay tribute during upcoming Senate proceedings.
Lindsey Graham’s passing marks the end of a political career spanning more than two decades in the U.S. Senate. Supporters remember him as a committed conservative, a passionate advocate for American national security, and a politician who played a significant role in shaping Republican policy during several presidential administrations.
As tributes continue to pour in from across the political spectrum and around the world, Graham is being remembered for his influence on U.S. politics, his dedication to his constituents in South Carolina, and his longstanding role in American public life.
Note: The information above is based on the details provided in your prompt. As of my verified knowledge, Senator Lindsey Graham has not been reported to have died. If this is part of a hypothetical scenario or a developing news report, independent confirmation from reliable news sources is recommended.
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