U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, the longtime South Carolina Republican who became one of Washington’s most recognizable voices on national security and foreign policy, died Saturday evening at the age of 71.
Graham’s office announced his death Sunday morning, saying that the senator had died following a “brief and sudden illness.”
The statement did not identify the illness or provide an official cause of death.
Graham’s family asked for prayers and privacy as they mourn his unexpected passing.
Final Public Appearance in Ukraine
Graham’s death came one day after he appeared publicly in Kyiv during an official visit to Ukraine.
On Friday, Graham met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and spoke with reporters about the war, Ukraine’s air-defense needs and proposed sanctions against Russia.
Graham said China could play a decisive role in pressuring Russian President Vladimir Putin toward peace negotiations. He also discussed a long-delayed sanctions package intended to place additional economic pressure on Russia.
His meeting with Zelenskyy became his final known public appearance.
No official has suggested that Graham’s visit to Ukraine was connected to his death.
A Major Voice on Foreign Policy
Graham represented South Carolina in the United States Senate for more than two decades after winning election to the chamber in 2002 and taking office in January 2003.
He developed a national reputation as an outspoken advocate for a strong American military and an active United States role in global affairs.
Graham supported continued American assistance for Ukraine following Russia’s full-scale invasion and repeatedly traveled to the country during the war.
Zelenskyy said Graham had visited Ukraine 10 times since the invasion began in 2022 and described him as a defender of freedom who stood with the Ukrainian people when support was most needed.
Graham was also one of Israel’s most prominent defenders in Congress and consistently supported American military and diplomatic assistance for the country.
From Trump Critic to Close Ally
Graham’s relationship with President Donald Trump underwent one of the most dramatic transformations in modern Republican politics.
During the 2016 Republican presidential campaign, Graham was one of Trump’s sharpest critics and briefly sought the party’s nomination himself.
After Trump entered the White House, however, Graham became one of his closest allies in Congress and a frequent adviser on matters involving Russia, Ukraine, Iran and national defense.
Trump paid tribute to Graham following the announcement of his death, describing him as a patriot and one of the greatest senators he had known.
A Lifetime of Public and Military Service
Graham was born in Central, South Carolina, in 1955. His parents operated a restaurant and pool hall, and he became the first member of his family to attend college.
He earned undergraduate and law degrees from the University of South Carolina before beginning a military legal career with the United States Air Force.
Graham later served in the South Carolina House of Representatives and was elected to the U.S. House in 1994. He served four terms in the House before succeeding retiring Sen. Strom Thurmond in the Senate.
Throughout his career, Graham was particularly influential in debates involving the military, judicial nominations, international alliances and the use of American power abroad.
Tributes From the United States and Abroad
News of Graham’s death prompted tributes from political leaders across the United States and around the world.
Zelenskyy said he was deeply saddened and called Graham a determined leader and a true defender of freedom.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described Graham as a great friend of Israel and said America had lost a patriot.
NATO leaders and officials from several European countries also praised Graham’s support for the alliance, Ukraine and the transatlantic relationship.
Cause of Death Not Officially Announced
At the time of publication, Graham’s office had not released a specific cause of death.
News reports citing emergency-radio traffic said first responders had been called to Graham’s Washington home Saturday evening following a report of chest pains. Emergency personnel later performed CPR after cardiac arrest was reported.
Those emergency details do not constitute an official medical determination, and Graham’s office has described his death only as the result of a brief and sudden illness.
Funeral and memorial arrangements had not yet been publicly announced.