Sen. Lindsey Graham dies at 71 after ‘brief and sudden illness’ - NBC News
Senator Lindsey Graham has passed away at age 71 following a sudden cardiac event. The South Carolina Republican was a prominent figure in the Senate and a close ally of former President Donald Trump.
Why it matters
His death creates a significant vacancy in the Senate and removes a key voice in U.S. defense and foreign policy during a critical election year.
WASHINGTON — Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., who was elected to the Senate in 2002 and was a close political ally of President Donald Trump, has died, his office confirmed early Sunday. He was 71. Graham died Saturday night “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,” the statement said. President Donald Trump led tributes Sunday to “one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known,” describing Graham as a “true American Patriot” in a Truth Social post. He later told NBC News’ “Meet the Press” that he spoke with Graham on Saturday night, hours before the senator died, adding that “other than being tired, he was fine.” At the White House, flags were lowered to half-staff.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in