Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican representing South Carolina, passed away on Saturday evening after a brief and unexpected illness at 71, as announced by his office.
“Senator Graham’s family is grateful for prayers during this difficult time and kindly requests privacy,” stated a message from his office shared on the social media platform X at 2:02 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time.
Renowned for his strong stance on defense, the Republican senator was actively pursuing his fifth term. During his tenure, he chaired the Senate Budget Committee and was a member of the Judiciary, Appropriations, and Environment and Public Works Committees.
In a heartfelt message on Truth Social, President Trump expressed, “Senator Lindsey Graham, one of the most remarkable individuals and senators I’ve ever known, has passed away. He tirelessly worked and embodied true American patriotism. Lindsey will be sorely missed! Further details and arrangements to follow. So sad!”
Graham had been slated to make an appearance on NBC’s “Meet the Press” on Sunday morning, following his recent return from a visit to Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote in a social media statement that Graham was there for Ukraine and “our people when it was most needed.”
“He visited Ukraine ten times during the years of Russia’s full-scale invasion and was here with our people when it was most needed. We remained in constant dialogue, and I will miss our conversations. We met twice in just the past week,” Zelensky added, noting Graham’s work on “important initiatives that could help bring peace closer, including stronger sanctions against Russia.”
“We will always be especially grateful for the recognition of our people and words of admiration for the courage of Ukraine’s defenders. America and the world have lost a determined leader,” he added.
Graham’s colleagues mourned his loss in statements posted to social media reflecting on his decades-long service in the Senate.
“My heart is heavy this morning to learn of the passing of my friend and colleague, Senator Lindsey Graham,” Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.C.) wrote in a post on X.
“Lindsey’s long and dedicated service in the Air Force and in Congress carried him to far-flung regions of the world. He was a strong advocate for the United States and a strong ally to freedom-loving countries across the globe,” he added.
Fellow South Carolina Republican Sen. Tim Scott also shared his condolences.
“South Carolina lost a statesman and I’ve lost a friend. My prayers are with his sister and the rest of his family,” Scott wrote in a statement posted to X.
“From his humble beginnings to the Senate floor, Lindsey always led with faith, family, and South Carolina first. Lindsey remained committed to public service and doing what he loved. He always introduced levity and brought wit to the most challenging moments,” he added.
Scott continued, “Lindsey will be missed.”
Senate Armed Services Chair Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) said there were “no words” to describe the late South Carolina Senator, who Wicker said “succeeded in office but he cannot be replaced.”
“There are no words to describe Lindsey Graham, my friend of more than three decades. There are no words to describe his impact on the foreign and domestic policy of the United States. Lindsey served his beloved country in uniform and in the House and Senate. He stood solidly for freedom and strength and he fought for liberty across the globe,” Wicker wrote on X.
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