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U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican politician and one of President Donald Trump‘s closest advisers, has died. He was 71. Details surrounding his death are limited; however, his office released a statement, saying his passing was “brief and sudden.” Graham first served in Congress as a member of the House of Representatives from 1995 to 2003. He later ran for the Senate in 2002, winning in South Carolina and succeeding Strom Thurmond.

Senator Lindsey Graham Has Died At 71 — His Office Released A Statement About His Passing

The news about Graham’s death arrived at around 2 AM EST.

Graham’s office shared a statement about his passing on his official X account, saying the politician died on the evening of July 11 from a “brief and sudden illness.”

“Senator Graham’s family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period,” the statement continued.

Graham had turned 71 two days before his unexpected passing and had represented the state of South Carolina for over 20 years. He had recently won the state’s Republican primary in June and was actively running for his fifth term in the Senate.

Donald Trump Posts Tribute About Lindsey Graham To His Social Media Account

Graham’s death has rocked Capitol Hill, as politicians have flooded social media to post tributes about the late Republican senator.

President Donald Trump posted about Graham’s passing on his Truth Social account, calling the 71-year-old “one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known.”

Trump, who previously clashed with Graham, praised the South Carolina politician as a hard worker and a “true American Patriot,” adding that he will be “greatly missed.”

Tim Scott, another South Carolina senator, also opened up about Graham’s passing, saying he’s since “lost a friend” before sharing that he was praying for his family.

“From his humble beginnings to the Senate floor, Lindsey always led with faith, family, and South Carolina first. Lindsey remained committed to public service and doing what he loved. He always introduced levity and brought wit to the most challenging moments. Lindsey will be missed,” Scott continued.

Lindsey Graham Was A Tough Critic Of President Trump; However, He Changed His Tune After He Won The Election

It’s well-documented that Graham was one of President Trump’s closest allies and advisers. However, they didn’t start on the right foot.

Over a decade ago, Graham was a vocal critic of Trump, calling the now-President “unfit for office.” He also clashed with the 80-year-old after the latter made derogatory comments about his friend, the late John McCain.

After Trump won the election in 2016, though, Graham emerged as one of the politician’s most vocal supporters, communicating with him regularly and spending time with him outside of D.C.

In a previous interview, Graham discussed his change of heart, saying he had an “obligation” to support the president. “And I’ve tried to be helpful where I could because I think he needs all the help he can get,” he said. “You can be a better critic when people understand that you’re trying to help them be successful.”

Graham Was Scheduled To Appear On ‘Meet The Press’ Sunday Morning

Before his passing, Graham was booked to appear on the Sunday, July 12, episode of “Meet the Press.”

According to USA Today, Graham had just returned to the States from an overseas trip for the NATO summit in Turkey, where he traveled with bipartisan lawmakers. Additionally, the politician stopped in Kyiv to meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on his way back to D.C.

Zelenskyy said he was “deeply saddened” to learn that Graham, a “true defender of freedom,” had died.

The Public Is Concerned For Another Politician

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Graham’s death has put an even brighter spotlight on growing health concerns surrounding Mitch McConnell.

According to PEOPLE, the Republican politician was hospitalized in mid-June 2026 and has remained there ever since. Earlier this year, McConnell, 84, was hospitalized with “flu-like symptoms” before recovering.

McConnell has been part of Congress since 1985, making him the longest-serving Senator in Kentucky history. He revealed on his 83rd birthday in February 2025, though, that he wouldn’t seek reelection in 2026. He will hold his seat in Congress through the end of his term in January 2027.

The Republican Senator Lindsey Graham Dies From ‘Brief And Sudden Illness’ Before TV Appearance first appeared on The Blast