A prominent supporter of former President Donald Trump, Senator Lindsey Graham, passed away suddenly after a brief illness following a conversation with the President.
Sen. Graham, 71, who had initially criticized Trump, later became a strong advocate for him despite past disagreements. Over time, their relationship improved, with Graham supporting Trump notably on issues regarding Iran. A former associate referred to Graham as a key influencer on Trump’s decisions, describing him as keen on military interventions.
President Trump confirmed that he had spoken to Senator Graham shortly before his unexpected passing, welcoming him to visit anytime. The Senator had recently returned from a trip to Ukraine, where he met with President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Known for his advocacy for US military involvement abroad and his outspoken stance on defense matters, Graham, who chaired the Senate Budget and Judiciary committees, had warned about potential actions against Iran. Despite his previous criticisms of Trump, Graham eventually became a close ally of the President.
In the past, Graham had expressed concerns about Trump’s candidacy but later reconciled with him during their time in office. However, following the events of January 6, 2021, Graham distanced himself from Trump, stating that their relationship had come to an end. Nevertheless, they eventually reconciled, with Trump expressing deep sorrow over Graham’s passing.
President Zelensky praised Graham for his commitment to freedom and global security, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu mourned the loss of a close friend and staunch supporter of Israel and the United States.
Senator Graham reportedly suffered a heart attack at his residence in Capitol Hill shortly after speaking with Trump on the phone. No prior signs of illness were reported by his staff before his untimely death.