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US Senator Lindsey Graham dies suddenly at 71 after aortic dissection in Washington
U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham dies at 71 after sudden illness: Trump, world leaders pay tribute
Lindsey Graham, a prominent Republican Senator from South Carolina, has died suddenly at the age of 71. The cause of death was an aortic dissection due to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease, according to a preliminary report from the District of Columbia medical examiner .
Graham passed away on the evening of July 12, 2026, at his home in Washington, D.C. His office confirmed the news in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday afternoon. "On the evening of Saturday, July 11, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham passed away from a brief and sudden illness," the statement read. "Senator Graham's family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period" .
The news of Graham's death came as a shock to many, as he had been actively involved in foreign policy matters until his final days. Just a week before his death, Graham had joked on X about being targeted by Iranians, sharing an image of a man in Tehran holding a sign with a bullseye over his face and the message, "SOONER OR LATER YOUR HEADS WILL ROLL." Graham had responded with humor, saying, "At least they used a good photo of me. Judge me by my enemies" .
Graham's final weeks were marked by intense diplomatic activity. He had met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv on July 11, reaffirming U.S. support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. He was also working on an ambitious new push for Israeli-Saudi normalization, telling colleagues in recent weeks that he couldn't die yet because he still had work to do on Russia sanctions, Iran, and Israeli-Saudi normalization .
Graham's death has sent shockwaves through the political world, with tributes pouring in from leaders both domestic and international. President Donald Trump, who had a complex relationship with Graham that evolved from criticism to close alliance, expressed his grief on "Meet the Press." "He was like a member of the family to me. It's very tough actually," Trump said. He added that he had spoken to Graham just hours before his death and that the senator had sounded "a little tired" but otherwise well .
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky were among the international leaders who paid tribute to Graham. Netanyahu called Graham "one of the greatest friends" of Israel, while Zelensky described him as a "true defender of freedom" and a vital influence on Trump's worldview .
Graham's death comes at a critical time for U.S. foreign policy. He was a staunch advocate for military action and interventionism, and his support for Ukraine and Israel was particularly notable. His passing leaves a significant void in the U.S. Senate, where he was known for his hawkish stance on foreign policy and his role as a key ally of Trump.
Graham's political career was marked by his evolution from a critic of Trump to one of his most dependable allies. The two had a contentious relationship during the 2016 presidential campaign, with Graham once calling Trump a "race-baiting, xenophobic religious bigot." However, after Trump's victory, Graham became a frequent and forceful defender of the president .
Before his political career, Graham had a lengthy military career as a lawyer in the Air Force and remained in the Air Force Reserves until his retirement as a colonel in 2015. He was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 2002 after serving eight years in the House of Representatives .
Graham's passing also raises questions about the future of his seat in the Senate. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster is expected to appoint a replacement for the remainder of Graham's term, with an election to be held next month to replace him on the ballot this November. Potential candidates are already considering the race, including Rep. Nancy Mace .
As the political world mourns Graham's passing, his legacy as a staunch advocate for American global leadership and a key player in U.S. foreign policy is being remembered. His death is a reminder of the fragility of life and the suddenness with which it can change.
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