US Senator Lindsey Graham Dies After Sudden Illness

US Senator Lindsey Graham has died following a brief and sudden illness.

His office released a statement confirming he passed away on Saturday evening, noting, "Senator Graham's family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period."

Elected to the Senate in 2002, Graham was a dominant voice in Washington on foreign policy and a key ally of President Trump, having served as Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee.

He had just returned from a visit to Kyiv, where he met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and there were no known health concerns before his trip.

President Donald Trump posted a tribute, calling Graham a "true American Patriot."

Graham was a passionate supporter of U.S. aid to Ukraine, remarking in 2023 that "Putin will not stop in Ukraine" and that weakness in Ukraine equates to loss in Taiwan.

During his time in Ukraine, he was working on a version of the Russia sanctions bill, which he said would give President Trump the tools needed to end the war.

Over his career, Graham had periods of tension with Trump but ultimately became one of his staunchest backers, citing a "dark side" of Trump's presidency while highlighting his record on the southern border, the killing of Iran's Qasem Soleimani, and the appointment of conservative judges.

In a 2023 interview with the BBC, Graham noted, "There is a dark side to Donald Trump… and he was a very good president. But I am sticking with him because I saw what he did."

Lindsey Graham with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv. Photo: 26 May 2023