Sen. Lindsey Graham dies of ‘brief and sudden illness’

Senate Sen. Lindsey Graham dies of ‘brief and sudden illness’ Comments: by Ashleigh Fields - 07/12/26 5:42 AM ET Comments: Link copied by Ashleigh Fields - 07/12/26 5:42 AM ET Comments: Link copied

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Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) died from a “brief and sudden illness” on Saturday evening at the age of 71, the long-time senator’s office announced.

“Senator Graham’s family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period,” Graham’s office wrote in a post on the social platform X at 2:02 a.m. EDT.

The Republican senator, who was well-known as a defense hawk, was in the middle of seeking his fifth term in the upper chamber. He served as chair of the Senate Budget Committee and also served on the Judiciary Committee and Committee on Appropriations, Environment and Public Works.

“Senator Lindsey Graham, one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known, is dead! He was always working, and was a true American Patriot. Lindsey will be greatly missed!!! DETAILS AND ARRANGEMENTS TO FOLLOW. So sad!” President Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform early Saturday morning.

Graham was scheduled to appear on NBC’s “Meet the Press” on Sunday morning after returning from a trip 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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