US Sen. Lindsey Graham has died after a brief and unexpected illness, his office says : NPR

U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, a close ally of President Donald Trump known for his advocacy of a robust U.S. foreign policy, passed away on Saturday evening due to a “brief and sudden illness,” according to a statement from his office on social media. He was 71 years old.

Details regarding the South Carolina Republican’s passing were not disclosed, but his office expressed gratitude for prayers and requested privacy for the family during this difficult time.

President Trump shared on social media early Sunday, “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!”

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., expressed sorrow, saying, “My heart is heavy this morning to learn the passing of my friend and colleague, Senator Lindsey Graham.”

“Lindsey’s long and dedicated service in the Air Force and in Congress carried him to far-flung regions of the world,” Thune remarked. “He was a strong advocate for the United States and an ally to freedom-loving countries globally. He believed in America’s might to do good in the world and dedicated his life to that cause.”

Graham was close with Trump

Graham, elected to the U.S. Senate in 2002 after serving in the House, briefly ran for president in 2016 and criticized Trump as “unfit for office.” However, he later became one of Trump’s closest allies, frequently speaking with him and often seen golfing with the president.

FILE – Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., left, gestures as President Donald Trump speaks with reporters while in flight on Air Force One, Jan. 4, 2026, as they were returning to Joint Base Andrews, Md.

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Graham was a significant advisor to the president on foreign policy issues involving Iran and Russia. He had recently finalized an agreement with the Trump administration on a new package of Russia sanctions. The senator had also visited Ukraine, marking his 10th visit, to meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who thanked him for acknowledging their warriors.

During his time in the U.S. House in the 1990s, Graham was a proponent of policies designed to isolate Iran and curb its missile and nuclear programs. He supported Trump’s decision to target nuclear sites last year and backed recent conflicts that began a few months ago.

Earlier in his career, Graham was best known for his partnership with the late Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz. Along with Joe Lieberman, I-Conn., they were known as the “Three Amigos” for their frequent travels promoting aggressive foreign policy views.

In response to Graham’s death, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his condolences, calling Graham “a great friend of Israel” and “a cherished friend of mine.”

Netanyahu highlighted Graham’s understanding of the intertwined security of Israel and the United States, acknowledging his life’s work in defending both nations and strengthening the U.S.-Israel alliance.

“Israel has lost one of its greatest friends. America has lost a great patriot. I have lost a beloved friend,” Netanyahu said, offering condolences to Graham’s family and the American people.

The Republican had a prominent career on Capitol Hill

Graham served as chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, playing a key role during Trump’s second term by helping Republicans push major legislation through the Senate with a narrow majority.

His committee was responsible for overseeing reconciliation, a Senate procedure that allowed the passage of significant policies, such as last year’s tax law, without the threat of a Democratic filibuster.

Graham previously chaired the Senate Judiciary Committee during the confirmation of Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court in 2020 and was poised to reclaim that position if Republicans maintained Senate control after the midterms.

In 2013, Graham played a central role in crafting a comprehensive immigration overhaul as part of the Gang of Eight, a bipartisan group that drafted a sweeping bill to reform U.S. immigration law. Although it passed the Senate with 68 votes, it was not taken up by the House and did not become law.

Graham’s support for a pathway to citizenship for individuals without legal status put him at odds with much of his party, making him vulnerable to primary challenges in South Carolina.

This year, Graham faced primary challenges from Paul Dans, an author of Project 2025, a conservative governing blueprint. Dans withdrew in April, and Graham won his primary in June, setting up a November contest against Democrat Annie Andrews, a Charleston pediatrician.

Graham relied on his strong ties with Trump to fend off primary challengers. In his victory speech, he addressed Trump, saying, “I’m going to help you change this world and change this country.”

Little explanation from Graham’s office

The brief statement from Graham’s office, which did not explain the cause of death, comes amid concerns about transparency regarding lawmakers’ health.

Recently, Rep. Tom Kean Jr., a New Jersey Republican, was absent from Congress without explanation before revealing he had been diagnosed with depression.

Additionally, Sen. Mitch McConnell, a Kentucky Republican, was hospitalized weeks ago for undisclosed health reasons.