Senator Lindsey Graham, a close ally of President Donald Trump, died on Saturday night after a 'brief and sudden' illness, according to his office. The 71-year-old South Carolina Republican suffered an aortic dissection due to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease, the cause of death given by his office.
Phone Call With Trump Preceded Collapse
Graham collapsed in his Capitol Hill home shortly after a phone call with Trump, who described the conversation as normal. Trump told NBC that Graham called him after returning from a trip to Ukraine and 'sounded a little bit tired, but perfect.' The president said he invited Graham to 'come over anytime you want.'
Trump, who spoke frequently with Graham, said the senator was 'like a member of the family. It's very tough.' The White House flag flew at half-staff following Graham's death.
Complicated Relationship Evolved Into Close Alliance
Graham and Trump had a turbulent history. During the 2016 presidential campaign, Graham labelled Trump a 'race-baiting bigot,' and Trump retaliated by reading Graham's personal phone number aloud at a rally. Graham later warned that nominating Trump would 'destroy' the party, saying: 'If we nominate Trump, we will get destroyed... and we will deserve it.'
By 2021, Graham declared 'enough is enough' but eventually buried the hatchet. The two became close allies, with Graham emerging as one of Trump's most vocal supporters, particularly on foreign policy and the war in Iran. A former ally described Graham as a 'war hungry dude' who had Trump's ear.
Tributes From World Leaders
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky paid tribute, saying: 'Lindsey was a true defender of freedom and the values that make our world safer.' Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu added: 'Israel has lost one of its greatest friends. America has lost a great patriot. I have lost a beloved friend.'
Graham was a former air force reserve colonel and led both the Senate Budget and Judiciary committees. He was known for calling for US intervention overseas and recently said the US would 'obliterate' Iran if it did not reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Succession Process Under South Carolina Law
Under South Carolina law, Republican Governor Henry McMaster will appoint a temporary replacement for Graham, who was seeking a fifth term in November. A special primary must be held within weeks of the vacancy. The winner of November's general election will begin a full six-year term in January.
