Veteran U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican from South Carolina and one of the most influential voices on U.S. foreign policy, has died at the age of 71 following a heart ailment caused by arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease, according to his office. His death came shortly after returning from a visit to Ukraine, where he had met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss military support and sanctions against Russia.
Graham served in the U.S. Senate since 2003, after previously serving in the House of Representatives. Throughout his career, he became known for his strong support of U.S. national defense, Israel, and Ukraine. Although he was initially a vocal critic of Donald Trump during the 2016 presidential campaign, he later became one of Trump’s closest political allies and played a significant role in advancing Republican legislative priorities.
Leaders from across the United States and around the world paid tribute to Graham’s decades of public service. President Donald Trump described him as a “true American patriot,” while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised his unwavering support for their countries.
Graham’s passing temporarily reduces the Republican majority in the U.S. Senate. Under South Carolina law, Governor Henry McMaster is expected to appoint an interim replacement until a special election is held to fill the seat.
