President Donald Trump paid tribute to his close political ally, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, who died unexpectedly on Saturday evening at age 71. Graham's office announced his passing early Sunday, stating he succumbed to a "brief and sudden illness." Unconfirmed reports indicate a 911 call for "cardiac arrest" was made from his residence.

Trump shared his condolences on the social platform Truth Social, calling Graham "one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known." He described the late senator as "always working, and was a true American Patriot" and stated that Graham "will be greatly missed."

Graham, who represented South Carolina in the Senate since 2002, was a consistent supporter of Trump's agenda and an advisor on foreign policy matters, particularly concerning Russia and Iran. In late March 2025, Trump posted a lengthy endorsement of Graham, calling him "a wonderful friend."

In the endorsement, Trump highlighted Graham's work as Chair of the Senate Budget Committee, focusing on economic growth, tax reduction, and government waste. He also noted Graham's efforts to "Secure the Border, Stop Migrant Crime, Strongly Support our Great Military/Vets, Promote American Energy DOMINANCE, defend our always under siege Second Amendment, and ensure PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH."

Graham had previously replied to Trump's endorsement, expressing pride in supporting Trump's political rise and acknowledging their personal friendship, describing Trump as "an awesome golfing buddy."

Earlier this year, Graham called Trump 'an awesome golfing buddy, who I have yet to beat.' The two are pictured golfing together in November 2025

Graham's death follows a recent visit to Ukraine, where he met with President Volodymyr Zelensky to discuss the ongoing Russian invasion. During the trip, Graham announced an agreement with Trump to advance bipartisan legislation aimed at pressuring Moscow by targeting countries buying Russian energy.

Graham's death comes just days after he visited Ukraine and met with the country's president, Volodymyr Zelensky. The two are pictured together during that meeting

Graham had been in Ukraine to discuss the ongoing Russian invasion and announced that an agreement had been reached to advance legislation targeting countries buying Russian energy

Leaders from Ukraine and Israel also mourned Graham. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described him as "one of Israel's greatest friends" and "a great patriot" who understood the inseparable security of Israel and America. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky lauded Graham as "a staunch advocate for bipartisan and bicameral support for Ukraine" and noted his work on stronger sanctions against Russia.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky presented a vyshyvanka, a traditional Slavic embroidered shirt, to Graham during his recent visit. Zelensky also mourned Graham online

Graham's legislative career included service on the Senate Budget Committee, the Committee on Appropriations, the Senate Judiciary Committee, and the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. He previously served in the House of Representatives after being elected in 1994. Graham also served in the U.S. Air Force, including active duty as an Air Force lawyer and a stint in the Gulf War, retiring as a Colonel in the Air Force reserves in 2015.

Graham was an avid supporter of Israel, and the country's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu mourned the death of the senator on social media. The two are pictured shaking hands

US Senator Lindsey Graham has died aged 71 from a 'brief and sudden illness'