Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) passed away Saturday at age 71 due to a brief and sudden illness, triggering an outpouring of tributes from political leaders at home and abroad.
President Donald Trump led the remembrances Sunday on his Truth Social platform, calling Graham “one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known.” Trump added, “He was always working, and was a true American Patriot. Lindsey will be greatly missed!!!”
Graham, who was running for a fifth Senate term, chaired the Senate Budget Committee and held seats on the Judiciary and Appropriations panels. His sudden death sets in motion a succession process under South Carolina law.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed grief on X, saying, “Sara and I grieve with the American people over the loss of our dear friend.” He recalled telling Graham recently, “Lindsey is a great friend of Israel and a cherished friend of mine. We have no better friend than Lindsey.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also honored Graham, who had visited Ukraine ten times since Russia’s full-scale invasion began. “Lindsey was a true defender of freedom and the values that make our world safer,” Zelensky wrote on X. “He visited Ukraine ten times during the years of Russia’s full-scale invasion and was here with our people when it was most needed. We remained in constant dialogue, and I will miss our conversations.”
Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Graham’s fellow Palmetto State senator, said in a statement: “South Carolina lost a statesman and I’ve lost a friend.” Scott praised Graham’s humility, faith, and wit, adding that “Lindsey always led with faith, family, and South Carolina first.”
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) described his “heart is heavy” upon learning of Graham’s death. Thune noted Graham’s Air Force service and congressional career took him around the globe, making him “a strong advocate for the United States and a strong ally to freedom-loving countries across the globe.”
Former President George W. Bush and his wife Laura said they were “saddened to wake up to the shocking news.” Bush called Graham “a knowledgeable Senator who understood how the world works and how important America’s international engagement is to resist tyranny,” adding that he was “a kind and funny man who loved our country.”
Graham’s death marks the loss of a prominent GOP voice on defense and foreign policy, and leaves a GOP leadership already grappling with internal divisions over Trump’s agenda. The senator’s sister and family have requested privacy as funeral arrangements are made.
