U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, a prominent Republican from South Carolina known for his influential role in foreign policy, died Saturday evening following a brief and sudden illness, his office announced.
Graham, elected to the Senate in 2002, had recently returned from Kyiv, where he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday. His office stated that there were no known health concerns prior to his trip and requested privacy for his family during this difficult time.
President Donald Trump, in a social media post, described Graham as a "true American Patriot." Graham also served as Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee. He was a strong advocate for U.S. support for Ukraine, emphasizing the global implications of the conflict.
"Putin will not stop in Ukraine," Graham said in a 2023 interview, arguing that perceived weakness there could embolden further aggression. "To be weak in Ukraine means that you lose in Taiwan."
During his most recent visit to Ukraine, Graham was engaged in efforts to shape a version of the Russia sanctions bill, which he believed would provide President Trump with the necessary tools to end the war. Despite past disagreements, Graham evolved into one of Trump's staunchest supporters, citing the former president's record on border security, foreign policy actions, and judicial appointments as reasons for his continued backing.
