U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, a longtime Republican and close ally of President Donald Trump, died Saturday evening after a brief and sudden illness, his office announced. He was 71.
Graham’s office released a brief statement on social media late Saturday without providing details about the cause or circumstances of his death. His family asked for prayers and privacy during what they called an “incredibly difficult period.”
Trump posted a tribute early Sunday, saying “Senator Lindsey Graham, one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known, is dead! He was always working, and was a true American Patriot. Lindsey will be greatly missed!!!”
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said he was heartbroken to learn of Graham’s passing. “He was a strong advocate for the United States and a strong ally to freedom-loving countries across the globe,” Thune said.
Graham had served in the Senate since 2003 after earlier serving in the U.S. House. The South Carolina Republican was known as a defense hawk who advocated for robust U.S. military interventionism and strong national defense throughout his career.
The senator had become especially well-known in recent years for his close relationship with Trump. Though Graham briefly ran against Trump for the Republican presidential nomination in 2016 and initially criticized him, the two became close allies after Trump took office. Graham served as a frequent advisor on foreign policy matters and was a regular presence alongside Trump.
Graham had just returned from Ukraine, where he met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on July 10, 2026. According to Zelenskyy, Graham had visited the country 10 times since Russia’s full-scale invasion. “Lindsey was a true defender of freedom and the values that make our world safer,” Zelenskyy said.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also mourned Graham’s death, calling him “a great friend of Israel” and “a cherished friend of mine.” Netanyahu said Graham understood that the security of Israel and the United States were inseparable and devoted his life to defending America and strengthening the U.S.-Israel alliance.
Graham was serving as chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, giving him a central role in Trump’s second term as Republicans pushed major legislation with a slim Senate majority. He had previously led the Senate Judiciary Committee when Republicans confirmed Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court in 2020.
The senator was a key player in Senate efforts to craft major legislation on immigration, national defense, and foreign policy. He was running for a fifth Senate term after winning the Republican primary in June, and was set to face Democrat Annie Andrews in the November general election.
Graham was not married and had no children. His closest living relative is his sister Darline Graham Nordone, whom he helped raise after both their parents died.
Under South Carolina law, Governor Henry McMaster, a Republican, will appoint a temporary replacement for Graham to serve until January. McMaster called Graham “irreplaceable” and described him as “the fiercest of fighters for South Carolina and America.”
Sources
- Associated Press — Confirmed Graham’s death at 71, his role as a Trump ally, his recent Ukraine visit on July 10, his service in the Senate since 2003, tributes from Trump and Thune, his role as Budget Committee chairman, his prior Judiciary Committee leadership, and details about his family and South Carolina succession law.
- CNN — Confirmed Graham’s death from brief and sudden illness and his status as a longtime Trump ally.
- Sky News — Reported Graham died day after visiting Kyiv and confirmed his status as a Trump ally.
- NBC News — Confirmed Graham’s Senate service since 2003 and described him as a war hawk and significant voice on defense and foreign policy.
- Washington Post — Confirmed Graham’s death from brief and sudden illness and his service in both the House (first elected 1994) and Senate (elected 2002).
