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U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, a veteran South Carolina Republican and one of Washington’s most prominent foreign policy voices, died Saturday after a brief and sudden illness, his office announced. He was 71.
Graham had represented South Carolina in the U.S. Senate since 2003 and was widely known for his role in debates over defense, foreign policy and U.S. support for Israel.
“On the evening of Saturday, July 11, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham passed away from a brief and sudden illness,” his office said in a statement. “Senator Graham’s family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period.”
U.S. President Donald Trump paid tribute to Graham on Truth Social early Sunday, calling him “one of the greatest people and Senators” he had ever known.
“Senator Lindsey Graham, one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known, is dead!” Trump wrote. “He was always working and was a true American Patriot. Lindsey will be greatly missed!!! DETAILS AND ARRANGEMENTS TO FOLLOW. So sad!”
Graham ran for president in 2016 and was initially a sharp critic of Trump during that campaign cycle. He later became one of Trump’s most loyal supporters on Capitol Hill.
Graham’s political profile grew further during Trump’s presidency, when he became one of the most visible Republican lawmakers defending Trump’s positions on major foreign policy and national security issues.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also mourned Graham’s death Sunday, saying Israel had lost “one of its greatest friends.”
“Sara and I grieve with the American people over the loss of our dear friend, Senator Lindsey Graham,” Netanyahu said in a statement issued by his office.
Netanyahu said he had recently described Graham as “a great friend of Israel and a cherished friend of mine.”
“We have no better friend than Lindsey,” Netanyahu said.
Netanyahu said Graham understood that the security of Israel and the U.S. were inseparable.
“He devoted his life to defending America, strengthening our alliance and standing up for the free world,” Netanyahu said.
“Israel has lost one of its greatest friends. America has lost a great patriot. I have lost a beloved friend,” he added.
Netanyahu extended condolences to Graham’s family and the American people, saying his “values and initiatives” should continue to guide efforts toward “victory and peace.”
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said his “heart is heavy” after learning of Graham’s death.
“My heart is heavy this morning to learn of the passing of my friend and colleague, Senator Lindsey Graham,” Thune said.
Thune said Graham’s long service in the Air Force and Congress carried him to many parts of the world.
“Lindsey’s long and dedicated service in the Air Force and in Congress carried him to far-flung regions of the world,” Thune said. “He was a strong advocate for the United States and a strong ally to freedom-loving countries across the globe.”
Thune said Graham believed in the power of the U.S. “to achieve good in the world” and dedicated his life to that cause.
Days before his death, Graham attended the NATO summit in Ankara, where he spoke to journalists, including Türkiye Today.
During the summit, Graham commented on U.S.-Türkiye defense ties and described Türkiye as “a great ally and the only Muslim nation in NATO,” according to Türkiye Today.
Graham was also listed among members of a bipartisan congressional delegation that visited Ankara after meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the 2026 NATO Summit.
The delegation included U.S. Sens. Jeanne Shaheen, Mike Rounds, Dick Durbin, Lindsey Graham and Chris Coons, as well as Rep. Mike Turner.
The visit placed Graham in Ankara in the final days of his public political activity as NATO leaders and lawmakers gathered in Türkiye for talks on alliance priorities, Ukraine and transatlantic security.
Graham was known as a hawkish Republican voice in U.S. foreign policy. He supported the Iraq war and had long urged military action against Iran.
Before aligning closely with Trump, Graham was widely known for his friendship and partnership with the late Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz.
McCain and Graham, along with former Sen. Joe Lieberman, I-Conn., were known as the “Three Amigos” and frequently traveled together to promote their hawkish foreign policy views around the world.
Graham was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2002 and was re-elected in 2008, 2014 and 2020, according to his official Senate biography.
Before entering the Senate, Graham was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1994. He became the first Republican from South Carolina’s 3rd Congressional District since 1877.
Graham also had a long military background. He served on active duty in the U.S. Air Force as a lawyer and was assigned to Rhein-Main Air Force Base in Germany from 1984 to 1988.
After leaving active duty in 1989, he joined the South Carolina Air National Guard and later the U.S. Air Force Reserve.
During U.S. military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, Graham served short-term Reserve duties in both countries over congressional breaks and holidays, using his experience in military law.
He retired from the Air Force Reserve in June 2015 after 33 years of service, leaving at the rank of colonel.
Graham served as chairman of the Senate Budget Committee and was also a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senate Judiciary Committee, and Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works.
His long career in Congress, military background, and close alignment with Trump made him one of the most recognizable Republican lawmakers in Washington.
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