Colleagues, leaders pay tribute to Lindsey Graham

Senate Colleagues, leaders pay tribute to Lindsey Graham Comments: by Tara Suter - 07/12/26 9:06 AM ET Comments: Link copied by Tara Suter - 07/12/26 9:06 AM ET Comments: Link copied

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Tributes are pouring in for Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), who died from a “brief and sudden illness” on Saturday at the age of 71.

In a post on his Truth Social platform Sunday, President Trump called Graham “one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known.”

“He was always working, and was a true American Patriot. Lindsey will be greatly missed!!!” Trump added in his post.

Graham was running for reelection, seeking a fifth term in the Senate. He had served as chair of the Senate Budget Committee, as well as on the Judiciary Committee and Committee on Appropriations.

“Sara and I grieve with the American people over the loss of our dear friend, Senator Lindsey Graham. In our recent meeting, I said, ‘Lindsey is a great friend of Israel and a cherished friend of mine. We have no better friend than Lindsey,’” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said of Graham, who was known as a strong supporter of Israel and defense hawk, on the social platform X Sunday.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, another world leader of a country strongly supported by Graham, also offered a tribute to the late Palmetto State senator Sunday.

“Deeply saddened by the news of the passing of United States Senator Lindsey Graham. Lindsey was a true defender of freedom and the values that make our world safer,” Zelensky said on X.

“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.”

The other senator from South Carolina, Tim Scott (R), said in his own post that “South Carolina lost a statesman and I’ve lost a friend.”

“My prayers are with his sister and the rest of his family. 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.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) said his “heart is heavy this morning to learn of the passing of my friend and colleague, Senator Lindsey Graham.”

“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 in a Sunday post on X.

Former President George W. Bush said in a statement that he and his wife, Laura Bush, “were saddened to wake up to the shocking news.”

“He was a knowledgeable Senator who understood how the world works and how important America’s international engagement is to resist tyranny,” Bush wrote. “He was a kind and funny man who loved our country and loved serving it. South Carolina was fortunate to have such a committed public servant in its corner. And I was fortunate to have known Lindsey Graham.”