Lindsey Graham meets with Volodymyr Zelensky in final political engagement before death

Senator Lindsey ⁠Graham of South Carolina died Saturday evening after ⁠a ​brief and ⁠sudden illness, ​his ⁠office said ‌in an X post early on Sunday. He was 71.

A Senator since 2003, Graham had been a vocal advocate for a muscular, hawkish foreign policy.

He also went from being an outspoken critic of Donald Trump to one of his most prominent supporters, particularly pushing the president to launch war against Iran .

“Senator Graham’s family appreciates prayers at this time and asks ‌for privacy ​during ‌this incredibly ⁠difficult period," his ⁠office said.

Trump took to Truth Social to pay tribute. “Senator Lindsey Graham, one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known, is dead!” he said.

“He was always working, and was a true American Patriot. Lindsey will be greatly missed!!!”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also paid tribute to Graham, saying in a statement, “Israel has lost one of its greatest friends, America has lost a great patriot.”

Lindsey Olin Graham was born on July 9, 1955, to parents who ran a pool hall and restaurant.

Graham’s father, Florence James Graham, died when he was 21, and his mother, Millie, died shortly thereafter.

He became the guardian to his sister Millie, and used Social Security survivor benefits to put her through school .

Graham graduated from the University of South Carolina for both his undergraduate and law degrees; he served in the US Air Force as an active-duty lawyer before joining the Air Force Reserves.

Eric Garcia 12 July 2026 14:00

Benjamin Netanyahu on Lindsey Graham's death: ‘Israel has lost one of its greatest friends'

Sen. Lindsey Graham “understood that the security of Israel and America are inseparable,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said.

“He devoted his life to defending America, strengthening our alliance and standing up for the free world,” Netanyahu said, according to The Times of Israel.

“Israel has lost one of its greatest friends,” he added. “America has lost a great patriot. I have lost a beloved friend.”

Isabel Keane 12 July 2026 13:58

President Donald Trump Trump pays tribute to Lindsey Graham

Trump took to Truth Social to pay tribute. “Senator Lindsey Graham, one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known, is dead!” the president said.

Isabel Keane 12 July 2026 13:57

Lindsey Graham was supposed to appear on 'Meet the Press' this morning

Lindsey Graham was set to appear on NBC News’s Meet the Press Sunday morning.

The other guests included California Democrats Rep. Ro Khanna and Sen. Adam Schiff.

Isabel Keane 12 July 2026 13:51

Graham died from 'brief and sudden illness,' his office said

Sen. Lindsey Graham died Saturday from a “brief and sudden illness,” his office said.

The Republican was photographed meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Ukraine on Friday.

First responders were called to Graham’s Capitol Hill home for a “cardiac arrest” Saturday night, according to police scanner audio obtained by NBC News.

EMS audio also indicated that CPR had been in process, according to NBC.

Graham’s office has not specified his cause of death.

Isabel Keane 12 July 2026 13:45

What will happen in the Senate following Lindsay Graham's death?

At the time of his death, Graham was running for a fifth term as Senator from South Carolina against Democrat Annie Andrews.

Term-limited Republican Governor of South Carolina Henry McMaster will likely now need to find a replacement for Graham.

Graham’s death comes as Senate Republicans face an additional crisis. Senator Mitch McConnell has been hospitalized since last month, and there have been few updates on his health since then .

Louise Boyle 12 July 2026 13:25

Statement from Graham's office

Louise Boyle 12 July 2026 13:16