The longtime U.S. senator, an ally of President Trump, had supported the use of U.S. troops overseas.
Published July 12, 2026
Sen. Lindsey Graham, a key figure in the Republican Party who went from being a vocal critic of Donald Trump after he took office to one of Donald Trump’s most loyal allies on Capitol Hill, has died at the age of 71.
The South Carolina lawmaker died after a “short-term, sudden illness,” his office said in a statement published in X early Sunday. Paramedics responded to a call of cardiac arrest at his home in the Capitol building in Washington, D.C., on Saturday night, according to US media.
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The network said Graham had just returned from a trip to Ukraine and was scheduled to appear on the show “Meet the Press” on Sunday morning.
Below are some of the main reactions.
Alexander Stubbe, President of Finland
Mr. Stubbe called Mr. Graham “a personal friend. A supporter of NATO and Ukraine. A transatlanticist. A friend of Finland.”
Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel
Prime Minister Netanyahu remembered Mr. Graham as a close friend and strong supporter of the U.S.-Israel alliance, praising his commitment to Israel’s security and the broader causes of the free world.
“Sarah and I join the American people in mourning the loss of our dear friend, Senator Lindsey Graham,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement, referring to his wife.
“In a recent conversation, I said, ‘Lindsay is a great friend of Israel and a dear friend of mine. We have no better friend than Lindsay,'” he added.
US President Donald Trump
President Trump paid tribute to Graham, saying the senator was a dedicated public servant and a close longtime political ally.
“Senator Lindsey Graham, one of the greatest men and senators I have ever known, has passed away! He was always working and a true American Patriot. Lindsey will be sorely missed!!!” President Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform.
Friedrich Merz, German Chancellor
Merz said Graham is “a true friend and partner of Germany in the Transatlantic Alliance. We have worked together for more than 40 years.”
Iran
Iranian state television announced Graham’s death in overtly hostile terms during a live broadcast.
“Congratulations to the great Iranian people that warmonger and anti-Iranian U.S. senator Lindsey Graham has gone to hell,” the anchor said.
Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine
Zelensky praised Graham as a strong supporter of Ukraine, noting his visits to the country during the country’s more than four-year war with Russia and his efforts to maintain bipartisan support for Kiev.
“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham.
“Mr. Lindsey was a true champion of freedom and the values that make our world safer. He visited Ukraine 10 times during the years of Russia’s full-scale invasion and was here with our people when we needed it most,” Zelenskiy said.
