Senator Lindsey Graham, a prominent Republican figure known for his assertive foreign policy views and evolving political stances, died Saturday evening at the age of 71. His spokesperson confirmed that the cause of death was an aortic tear, according to a medical examiner.
Graham had recently returned from a trip to Kyiv, Ukraine, where he met with President Volodymyr Zelensky. Zelensky expressed his deep sadness, remembering Graham as a "true defender of freedom and the values that make our world safer."
Known for his interventionist approach to international affairs, Graham was a staunch supporter of U.S. involvement in conflicts, including strongly advocating for action in Iran. He had previously stated that the U.S. would "obliterate" Iran if it did not concede to U.S. control of the Strait of Hormuz. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commented on Graham's death, stating that the senator "understood that the security of Israel and America are inseparable" and that Israel had lost "one of its greatest friends."
Graham's political career also featured a notable shift in his relationship with former President Donald Trump. He was a vocal critic of Trump during the 2016 presidential campaign, predicting that the Republican party would be "destroyed" if Trump were nominated. However, Graham later voted against convicting Trump in his 2021 impeachment trial and supported his 2024 election bid. In a 2023 interview, Graham explained his support by citing Trump's record on the U.S. southern border, the killing of Qasem Soleimani, and judicial appointments.
Following Graham's death, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster has the authority to appoint a temporary replacement to complete the senator's current term, which is set to end in January. The successor will ultimately be determined in the November midterm elections. Prior to Graham's passing, Republicans held a 53-47 majority in the Senate, a balance that both parties are actively contending for in the upcoming elections.