Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham, age 71, passed away Saturday evening after a “brief and sudden illness,” according to a statement from his office. His death occurred shortly after he returned from a trip to Ukraine and just before he was set to appear on Sunday’s “Meet the Press.”
“Senator Graham’s family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period,” the senator’s office in South Carolina said.
On Sunday afternoon, Graham’s spokesperson announced that the preliminary findings by the Medical Examiner of the District of Columbia indicated his cause of death was an aortic dissection due to Arteriosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease.
An aortic dissection is a serious medical condition involving a tear in the wall of the aorta.
A recording of an emergency call from Saturday evening regarding an incident at Graham’s residence mentioned cardiac arrest. CBS News obtained images showing emergency responders assisting someone at Graham’s Capitol Hill home that night.
President Trump honored Graham, describing him as “one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known,” in a post on Truth Social.
“He was always working, and was a true American Patriot. Lindsey will be greatly missed,” Mr. Trump stated.
The president also shared on NBC’s “Meet the Press” that he spoke with Graham Saturday evening after his return from Ukraine. “Other than being tired he was fine,” he said.
Sen. Lindsey Graham speaks to reporters alongside President Trump in the Oval Office, surrounded by members of Congress, on Feb. 3, 2026. SAUL LOEB /AFP via Getty Images
The well-known senator had visited Ukraine on Friday where he met with President Zelenskyy, who expressed his deep sadness over the news. Zelenskyy recognized Graham’s ten wartime visits to Ukraine and his support for its defense efforts.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also paid tribute to Graham saying: “Sara and I grieve with the American people over the loss of our dear friend.”
“Israel has lost one of its greatest friends. America has lost a great patriot. I have lost a beloved friend,” Netanyahu remarked.
Israel’s President Isaac Herzog expressed his shock and heartbreak upon learning about the unexpected passing of this great American patriot and dear friend.
Graham was born on July 9, 1955, in Central, South Carolina. Both parents passed away when he was in his early twenties, leaving him responsible for caring for his younger sister Darline who was just thirteen at that time. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of South Carolina before pursuing law school there as well. After serving as a military lawyer and practicing privately for several years, he won election to serve one term in the South Carolina House of Representatives followed by two years later winning election to represent South Carolina’s 3rd District in Congress. In 2002, he ran for Senate seat once held by Strom Thurmond and successfully won reelection three times with significant margins each time. Even during challenges like those presented by conservative groups during immigration debates back in 2014-no serious primary challengers emerged against him within Republican ranks; likewise proving resilient when competing against Democratic challenger Jaime Harrison in 2020 despite raising $25 million more than him. Lindsey always took strong stances regarding foreign policy issues-especially concerning Iran-and just earlier this month expressed objections towards initial terms laid out within an agreement signed between Mr. Trump & Iran while advocating firmly along hardline lines towards Russia following their full-scale invasion into Ukraine... This perspective aligned him closely alongside two notable figures across both parties: GOP Senator John Mc Cain from Arizona & Democratic-turned-independent Senator Joe Lieberman hailing out Connecticut-a trio often referred colloquially as ‘the three amigos.’ He even counted former President Joe Biden among friends previously although relations soured considerably since Biden became president now.”)”😄😄 “< b> The South Carolinian Republican gained recognition throughout Congress not only through bipartisanship but also through critical roles played within numerous landmark agreements forged together despite differences existing,” noted Democrat Senator Mark Warner hailing from Virginia who took time Sunday morning paying respects saying “Lindsey wasn’t shy when it came expressing disagreement yet my respect never wavered surrounding commitment exhibited toward serving country overall.”</b>”)”.. From being initially critical over Mr. Trump along rise seen among conservative Tea Party movement back around year ’16-having himself briefly run presidential campaign yielding unsatisfactory results stating online warning should party nominate such candidate would end badly-it seemed things changed dramatically thereafter though mended ties evolved instead becoming loyal ally supporting actions taken during presidency including backing judicial appointments made relevant Supreme Court nominees requiring approval via Senate hearings despite heated arguments arising amidst confirmations.”Once breaking temporarily afterward events transpiring January sixth ‘21 Capitol riots leading statements declaring intent withdrawing support publicly (“count me out enough is enough”), nevertheless seeking stay close good graces still aligning interests particularly pushing recent months imposing tougher sanctions targeting Russia maintaining firm stance opposing Iranian behavior…”In moments discussing potential diplomatic resolutions pertaining Iran during appearances recently (including session Face Nation hosted Margaret Brennan)-Graham warned audience about prospects failing stating possibilities outcomes if negotiations fall apart could lead larger confrontations looming dangers involving conflicts deeper areas beyond immediate region itself-‘President Trumps likely take Strait Hormuz under control’ reiterated multiple occasions reminding everyone listening implications consequences faced depending whichever path chosen moving forward whether peace pursued genuinely achievable feasible solutions sought thereafter too!”> Under state laws governing situation involved currently ongoing processes stemming tragic loss experienced today following untimely passing revealed Republican Governor Henry Mc Master will appoint temporary representative replace seat held until January third twenty twenty-seven when elections scheduled determine future occupant position remains vacant following general elections taking place amongst midterm scenarios slated November third twenty twenty-six allowing all voters make voices heard elect new officials representing them accordingly”.
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Graham was born on July 9, 1955, in Central, South Carolina. Both parents passed away when he was in his early twenties, leaving him responsible for caring for his younger sister Darline who was just thirteen at that time. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of South Carolina before pursuing law school there as well. After serving as a military lawyer and practicing privately for several years, he won election to serve one term in the South Carolina House of Representatives followed by two years later winning election to represent South Carolina’s 3rd District in Congress. In 2002, he ran for Senate seat once held by Strom Thurmond and successfully won reelection three times with significant margins each time. Even during challenges like those presented by conservative groups during immigration debates back in 2014-no serious primary challengers emerged against him within Republican ranks; likewise proving resilient when competing against Democratic challenger Jaime Harrison in 2020 despite raising $25 million more than him. Lindsey always took strong stances regarding foreign policy issues-especially concerning Iran-and just earlier this month expressed objections towards initial terms laid out within an agreement signed between Mr. Trump & Iran while advocating firmly along hardline lines towards Russia following their full-scale invasion into Ukraine... This perspective aligned him closely alongside two notable figures across both parties: GOP Senator John Mc Cain from Arizona & Democratic-turned-independent Senator Joe Lieberman hailing out Connecticut-a trio often referred colloquially as ‘the three amigos.’ He even counted former President Joe Biden among friends previously although relations soured considerably since Biden became president now.”)”😄😄 “< b> The South Carolinian Republican gained recognition throughout Congress not only through bipartisanship but also through critical roles played within numerous landmark agreements forged together despite differences existing,” noted Democrat Senator Mark Warner hailing from Virginia who took time Sunday morning paying respects saying “Lindsey wasn’t shy when it came expressing disagreement yet my respect never wavered surrounding commitment exhibited toward serving country overall.”</b>”)”.. From being initially critical over Mr. Trump along rise seen among conservative Tea Party movement back around year ’16-having himself briefly run presidential campaign yielding unsatisfactory results stating online warning should party nominate such candidate would end badly-it seemed things changed dramatically thereafter though mended ties evolved instead becoming loyal ally supporting actions taken during presidency including backing judicial appointments made relevant Supreme Court nominees requiring approval via Senate hearings despite heated arguments arising amidst confirmations.”Once breaking temporarily afterward events transpiring January sixth ‘21 Capitol riots leading statements declaring intent withdrawing support publicly (“count me out enough is enough”), nevertheless seeking stay close good graces still aligning interests particularly pushing recent months imposing tougher sanctions targeting Russia maintaining firm stance opposing Iranian behavior…”In moments discussing potential diplomatic resolutions pertaining Iran during appearances recently (including session Face Nation hosted Margaret Brennan)-Graham warned audience about prospects failing stating possibilities outcomes if negotiations fall apart could lead larger confrontations looming dangers involving conflicts deeper areas beyond immediate region itself-‘President Trumps likely take Strait Hormuz under control’ reiterated multiple occasions reminding everyone listening implications consequences faced depending whichever path chosen moving forward whether peace pursued genuinely achievable feasible solutions sought thereafter too!”> Under state laws governing situation involved currently ongoing processes stemming tragic loss experienced today following untimely passing revealed Republican Governor Henry Mc Master will appoint temporary representative replace seat held until January third twenty twenty-seven when elections scheduled determine future occupant position remains vacant following general elections taking place amongst midterm scenarios slated November third twenty twenty-six allowing all voters make voices heard elect new officials representing them accordingly”.
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