Senator Lindsey Graham, a prominent Republican and close ally of President Donald Trump, passed away on Saturday evening following a brief and sudden illness, his office announced Sunday.
“On the evening of Saturday, July 11, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham passed away from a brief and sudden illness,” his office said in a statement.
The 71-year-old South Carolina conservative, who had just returned from a visit to Ukraine, was widely regarded as a key supporter of Israel on Capitol Hill. President Trump mourned Graham as a “true patriot” and “one of the greatest people” he had ever known.
Statement from the Office of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina). pic.twitter.com/CQ5yVvqTH1
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) July 12, 2026
“Senator Graham’s family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period,” his office added.
First elected to the U.S. Senate in 2002, Graham served on several major committees, including as Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee. He was also a member of the Appropriations, Judiciary, and Environment and Public Works committees.
Earlier, after his election to the House of Representatives in 1994, Graham became a leading voice on national security matters, drawing on his experience as a U.S. Air Force lawyer.
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!!! DETAILS AND ARRANGEMENTS TO FOLLOW. So sad!President DONALD J. TRUMP
( TS: Jul 12 2026, 3:21 AM… pic.twitter.com/clCG7t5Wf9
— Commentary Donald J. Trump Truth Social Posts On X (@TrumpTruthOnX) July 12, 2026
In a post on Truth Social, President Trump wrote that Graham “was always working, and was a true American Patriot. Lindsey will be greatly missed!!!”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Graham a “dear friend,” saying in a post on X: “Lindsey understood that the security of Israel and America are inseparable. He devoted his life to defending America, strengthening our alliance and standing up for the free world.”
Iftikhar Ali is a veteran Pakistani journalist, former president of UN Correspondents Association, and a recipient of the Pride of Performance civil award
A sad news indeed, especially for President Trump, the Israeli lobby, and MAGA aspirants.