Trump ally, US Senator Lindsey Graham dies at 71 after sudden illness

South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, one of US President Donald Trump’s closest political allies, has died at the age of 71 following a brief and sudden illness, according to an official statement from his office.

The news was initially reported by US media before Graham’s office confirmed his death on X, saying he passed away on Saturday evening after 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 said.

A veteran Republican lawmaker, Graham represented South Carolina in the US Senate since 2003 and was a prominent voice on defence and foreign policy. After initially opposing Trump during the 2016 Republican presidential race, he later became one of the former president’s staunchest allies.

Graham was last seen during a visit to Kyiv, where he met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Speaking to reporters, he argued that China could play a decisive role in ending the Russia-Ukraine war.

“The road to ending this war, the road to peace, passes through Beijing more than it does Washington, Kyiv or Moscow. China has an oversized influence. I’d like them to use their influence for the good of the world,” Graham said during the visit.

He also said Russian President Vladimir Putin could be brought to the negotiating table and stressed that meaningful peace talks should begin as soon as possible to end the conflict.