U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, the longtime Republican from South Carolina and key ally to President Donald Trump, died Saturday evening, July 11, 2026, at age 71 after a brief and sudden illness. His office confirmed the news early Sunday in a statement posted on social media.
The office stated that Graham “passed away from a brief and sudden illness.” His family asked for prayers and privacy during this difficult time.
Additional reporting indicated that emergency personnel responded to a call for cardiac arrest at his Washington, D.C., residence. Graham had recently returned from his tenth trip to Ukraine, where he met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Graham was born July 9, 1955, in Central, South Carolina. He served in the U.S. Senate from 2003 until his death, following earlier terms in the South Carolina House and the U.S. House of Representatives. A foreign policy hawk and strong supporter of Israel and Ukraine aid, he chaired the Senate Budget Committee and previously led the Judiciary Committee. He won his party’s nomination in June for a fifth Senate term.
President Trump posted that Graham was “one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known” and “a true American Patriot” who “will be greatly missed.” Senate Majority Leader John Thune called him a friend and colleague. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described Graham as “a true defender of freedom.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called him “a great friend of Israel” and “a cherished friend.” South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster said Graham was “irreplaceable” and “the fiercest of fighters for South Carolina and America.”
Graham’s death creates a vacancy in the Senate as Republicans pursue their agenda. Funeral arrangements and further details are pending. His office and family have requested privacy.
U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, the longtime Republican from South Carolina and key ally to President Donald Trump, died Saturday evening, July 11, 2026, at age 71 after a brief and sudden illness. His office confirmed the news early Sunday in a statement posted on social media.
The office stated that Graham “passed away from a brief and sudden illness.” His family asked for prayers and privacy during this difficult time.
Additional reporting indicated that emergency personnel responded to a call for cardiac arrest at his Washington, D.C., residence. Graham had recently returned from his tenth trip to Ukraine, where he met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Graham was born July 9, 1955, in Central, South Carolina. He served in the U.S. Senate from 2003 until his death, following earlier terms in the South Carolina House and the U.S. House of Representatives. A foreign policy hawk and strong supporter of Israel and Ukraine aid, he chaired the Senate Budget Committee and previously led the Judiciary Committee. He won his party’s nomination in June for a fifth Senate term.
President Trump posted that Graham was “one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known” and “a true American Patriot” who “will be greatly missed.” Senate Majority Leader John Thune called him a friend and colleague. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described Graham as “a true defender of freedom.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called him “a great friend of Israel” and “a cherished friend.” South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster said Graham was “irreplaceable” and “the fiercest of fighters for South Carolina and America.”
Graham’s death creates a vacancy in the Senate as Republicans pursue their agenda. Funeral arrangements and further details are pending. His office and family have requested privacy.
