Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, a stalwart in American politics for over two decades, has passed away at the age of 71. His office confirmed the news early Sunday, attributing his death to a brief and sudden illness that occurred Saturday night. Graham, a close ally of former President Donald Trump, was a pivotal figure in shaping the nation’s defense and foreign policy.
The news of Graham’s passing sent shockwaves through the political sphere, with tributes pouring in from colleagues, allies, and even international leaders. President Donald Trump led the tributes, describing Graham as a true American patriot and one of the greatest senators he had ever known. The White House lowered its flags to half-staff in honor of the late senator.
Graham’s Illness and Final Hours
Emergency personnel responded to a call for cardiac arrest at Graham’s Capitol Hill home on Saturday night. EMS audio indicated that CPR was in progress, and photographs from the scene showed paramedics carrying a person on a stretcher from Graham’s home to an awaiting ambulance. A top staffer to Graham told NBC News early Sunday that there was no indication the lawmaker was feeling unwell prior to his death. He had been scheduled to appear on NBC News’ Meet the Press on Sunday, a show he had appeared on 63 times over the years.
Tributes from Colleagues and International Leaders
Senate Majority Leader John Thune paid tribute to Graham, calling him a strong advocate for the United States and a strong ally to freedom-loving countries across the globe. South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster said Graham had been the fiercest of fighters for South Carolina and America and a loyal and steadfast friend. Former President George W. Bush noted that Graham understood how the world works and how important America’s international engagement is to resist tyranny.
International leaders also expressed their condolences. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Graham was a true defender of freedom and noted that he had visited Ukraine 10 times during the war. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte described Graham as a powerful advocate for America who believed strongly in the NATO Alliance and was actively working to bring an end to Russia’s war against Ukraine. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Graham a great patriot and a great champion of the American-Israeli alliance.
Graham’s Political Career and Legacy
Graham grew up in the small town of Central, South Carolina, where his parents ran a restaurant and pool hall. He was the first of his family to go to college, earning a law degree from the University of South Carolina before embarking on a career in the military. He served a total of 33 years in the U.S. Air Force, Air Force Reserve, and South Carolina Air National Guard, fulfilling his reserve duties while holding his seat in Congress. He retired in 2015 at the rank of colonel.
Graham first arrived in Congress as a member of the House of Representatives, where he served from 1995 to 2003. He ran for Senate in 2002, winning the South Carolina seat previously held by the retiring Strom Thurmond. Graham made a name for himself with his work on foreign policy. In recent years, he pressed both the Trump and Biden administrations to back Kyiv’s fight against Russia’s invasion and pressed the Trump administration for a hawkish stance on Iran.
Graham chaired the Senate Judiciary Committee from 2019 to 2026 and most recently served as chairman of the Senate Budget Committee. He helped shepherd through a major tax cut and spending package during Trump’s second term. Graham was initially a critic of Trump, whom he briefly ran against during the 2016 Republican presidential primary. However, their relationship evolved over the years, with Graham frequently praising Trump while sometimes pressing him on policy decisions.
The sudden passing of Senator Lindsey Graham leaves a void in American politics, particularly in the realm of foreign policy. His legacy as a staunch advocate for American interests and a key figure in international relations will be remembered by many. As the nation mourns his loss, tributes continue to pour in from all corners of the political spectrum, highlighting the profound impact he had on both domestic and global stages.
