Sen. Lindsey Graham, a prominent and influential figure in American politics for decades, died Saturday night at age 71 following a "brief and sudden illness," according to a statement released by his office.
The news of his passing prompted an immediate outpouring of condolences from across the political spectrum, including from President Donald Trump, former President Joe Biden, and international leaders.
"Senator Lindsey Graham, one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known, is dead!" Trump posted on social media Sunday morning. "He was always working, and was a true American Patriot. Lindsey will be greatly missed!!!"
President Biden, who served with Graham in the Senate for over a decade, described him as "a one-of-a-kind figure in our politics." He added, "Lindsey and I served together in Congress for over a decade, and worked closely on many issues throughout the years. We disagreed often, and sometimes loudly. Lindsey and I did agree on the profound importance of public service. Like me, he loved the Senate as an institution, even with all its flaws and complexities."
The White House flags were lowered to half-staff in honor of Graham, a staunch ally of Trump. President Trump announced he would order all American flags throughout the country to be lowered to half-staff until Saturday, July 18, at 6 p.m.
Vice President JD Vance, who served with Graham in the Senate, called him "a one-of-a-kind figure in our politics," acknowledging their disagreements but remembering him as someone who "fought like hell for the things he believed in, and he was just as willing to go to bat for you when it counted."
Graham's final known public activities included his 10th visit to Ukraine, where he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday. Graham and a bipartisan group of senators had also announced a deal with the White House on a Russian sanctions bill that the senator had long championed.
President Zelenskyy expressed his deep sadness, calling Graham "a true defender of freedom and the values that make our world safer." He noted Graham's numerous visits to Ukraine during Russia's full-scale invasion and their recent conversations. "America and the world have lost a determined leader," Zelenskyy said.
Across South Carolina, Gov. Henry McMaster called Graham "the fiercest of fighters for South Carolina and America – and a loyal and steadfast friend."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu referred to Graham as a "beloved friend" and stated, "America has lost a great patriot."
Fellow South Carolina Republican Sen. Tim Scott became emotional discussing Graham, calling him "irreplaceable" and a personal friend who became like family. Rep. Jim Clyburn, a longtime Democratic representative from South Carolina, shared that he and Graham maintained a relationship of mutual respect despite significant political differences, highlighting Graham's "commitment to public service and the people he represented."
Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., remembered Graham for his "zest for life and the Senate," while Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., recalled working with Graham on Ukraine strategy just last week. Durbin described Graham as "part of every important policy issue and an indispensable player in every Senate 'gang.' He was a fierce Republican partisan one day and a key bipartisan ally the next."
Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., stated that while he and Graham often disagreed, he never doubted Graham's "love for this country or his commitment to serving it."
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., noted Graham's lifelong dedication to public service, from his time in the U.S. Air Force through his roles in the South Carolina House, U.S. House, and U.S. Senate, adding that Graham "believed and advocated tirelessly for American strength and exceptionalism."