US senator Lindsey Graham dies aged 71

Senator Lindsey Graham, one of President Donald Trump’s closest allies in Congress, has died after a “brief and sudden illness” at the age of 71.

His office did not provide any additional details about the South Carolina Republican and said his family “appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period”.

“Senator Lindsey Graham, one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known, is dead!” Mr Trump posted on social media early on Sunday morning. “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 said “my heart is heavy this morning to learn the passing of my friend and colleague, Senator Lindsey Graham”.

https://x.com/LeaderJohnThune/status/2076204028053045750?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

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

First elected to the US Senate in 2002 after serving in the House, Mr Graham briefly ran for president in 2016 and clashed with Mr Trump, criticising him as “unfit for office”.

However, he later emerged as one of Mr Trump’s top allies, speaking to him frequently and becoming a regular presence on the golf course alongside the president.

He especially advised the president on foreign policy matters such as Iran and Russia, and had just announced an agreement on Friday with the Trump administration to move forward on a package of Russia sanctions.

The senator had been in Ukraine to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who acknowledged the senator’s 10th visit to the country and thanked him for “recognising our warriors”.

As a member of the US House in the 1990s, Mr Graham backed policies aimed at isolating Iran and limiting its missile and nuclear programmes.

He also cheered on Mr Trump’s decision to strike nuclear sites last year and had been a supporter of the latest conflict that started a few months ago.

But before he allied himself tightly with Mr Trump, Mr Graham was most known for his friendship and partnership with the late Senator John McCain.

The pair, along with former senator Joe Lieberman, were known as the “Three Amigos” and frequently travelled to push their hawkish foreign policy views around the globe.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday mourned Mr Graham’s death, calling him “a great friend of Israel” and “a cherished friend of mine”.

Mr Netanyahu said Mr Graham understood that the security of Israel and the United States is inseparable and devoted his life to defending America, strengthening the US-Israel alliance and standing up for the free world.

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

Mr Graham had been serving as the chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, giving him a central role during Mr Trump’s second term as Republicans pushed major legislation on party-line votes with a slim majority in the chamber.

His committee oversaw a process called reconciliation, a Senate procedure that allowed Republicans to pass significant policies such as last year’s tax law without the threat of a Democratic filibuster.

He had previously led the Senate Judiciary Committee when Republicans confirmed Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court in 2020, and was in line to regain that gavel if the party kept control of the Senate after this year’s midterms.