Senator Lindsey Graham, a powerful ally of former President Donald Trump, has died at the age of 71. His office announced the passing of the South Carolina Republican late Saturday, citing a "brief and sudden illness." No further details were provided.
Graham was a central figure in Washington, serving as chairman of the Senate Budget Committee and advising President Trump on international affairs. He was a vocal advocate for robust U.S. foreign policy and had just returned from Ukraine.
Tributes poured in from world leaders. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called him "a true defender of freedom." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was "a great friend of Israel." Senate Majority Leader John Thune praised his dedication to American strength abroad.
Graham's career was defined by his close, sometimes turbulent, relationship with Donald Trump. After a bitter 2016 presidential primary, he became one of Trump's most trusted confidants in the Senate.
Under South Carolina law, Republican Governor Henry McMaster will appoint a temporary replacement. A special election will then be held. Graham was seeking a fifth term in the upcoming November election.