Lindsey Graham, one of the most recognisable faces in the Republican Party and a longtime US senator from South Carolina, has died at the age of 71. His office confirmed that he passed away following a “brief and sudden illness.”
News of Graham’s death was first reported by a Washington Post reporter before his office issued an official statement on X.
“Senator Graham’s family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period,” the statement said.
Statement from the Office of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina). pic.twitter.com/CQ5yVvqTH1
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) July 12, 2026
Also Read | ‘Bomb them at levels they’ve never seen before’: Trump reveals retaliation plan against Iran if killed
Who was Lindsey Graham?
Lindsey Graham served as the Republican senator from South Carolina and was widely known as one of the closest political allies of US President Donald Trump.
Throughout his political career, Graham remained a prominent Republican voice on national security and foreign policy issues. His support for Trump made him one of the administration’s most influential allies in the Senate.
Lindsey Graham’s final public appearance
Before his death, Graham travelled to Kyiv, where he met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
During the visit, Graham spoke about China’s potential role in helping bring the conflict to an end.
“The road to ending this war, the road to peace, passes through Beijing more than it does (through) Washington, Kyiv, or Moscow. China has an oversized influence. I’d like them to use their influence for the good of the world,” Graham told reporters at Mykhailivska Square in Kyiv.
He also said he believed peace talks could move forward if the right conditions were created.
Also Read | Trump says he will not sign bipartisan housing bill over ‘SAVE America Act’
“I don’t believe (Russian President Vladimir) Putin is there yet, but it wouldn’t take much to get him there. And the sooner we can have a dialogue about peace, the quicker this war is over,” he added.
Lindsey Graham dies at 71
Graham’s office said he died after a “brief and sudden illness” but did not disclose further details.
The statement also requested privacy for his family during what it described as an “incredibly difficult period.”
His visit to Ukraine is among his last known public appearances before news of his death was confirmed.
FAQs:
Who was Lindsey Graham?
Lindsey Graham was the longtime Republican US senator from South Carolina and a close political ally of President Donald Trump.
What was Lindsey Graham’s last public appearance before his death?
Graham’s last known public appearance was in Kyiv, where he met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and spoke about ending the Russia-Ukraine war.