Sen. Lindsey Graham Dies After Brief and Sudden Illness

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), a prominent voice in Congress for nearly three decades, died late Saturday from what his staff described as a “brief and sudden illness.” The South Carolina Republican passed away just hours after returning from what proved to be his tenth and final official trip to Ukraine.

On Friday, he had announced an agreement with President Donald Trump on revisions designed to strengthen U.S. sanctions against Russia over its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Graham was among the strongest congressional advocates for American military, economic, and diplomatic assistance to Eastern European nations.

He was scheduled to appear on Sunday on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” which would have been his 64th appearance on the program. Instead, President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, both close political allies of Graham, appeared in his place.

Graham’s personal journey shaped his commitment to public service and responsibility. At just 21 years old, after both of his parents died within a little more than a year, Graham became the legal guardian of his 13-year-old sister, Darline. The two remained extremely close throughout his life. Graham never married, dedicating himself to his sister’s care and his career in public service.

Reactions to Graham’s death poured in from across the political spectrum and around the world.

President Trump issued a statement on Truth Social describing Graham as “one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known … He was always working, and was a true American Patriot. Lindsey will be greatly missed!!!”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, “Israel has lost one of its greatest friends. America has lost a great patriot. I have lost a beloved friend,” and called Graham “a cherished friend of mine.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky lauded Graham for being “here with our people when it was most needed,” describing him as “a true defender of freedom and the values that make our world safer.”

Former Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Michael Oren told the Associated Press that Graham’s passing represents a significant loss for Israel. “You have a few Democrats and Republicans willing to stand up in Israel’s defense, but those types of people are few; it’s not a body of people. So, when you lose someone like Lindsey Graham, it’s a diplomatic and strategic loss for the state of Israel,” Oren said.

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