U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham Passes Away
U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham has died at the age of 71, following a brief and unexpected illness, according to an announcement from his office.
Graham’s office shared that he passed away on Saturday evening.
“Senator Graham’s family appreciates your prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult time,” the statement read.
Many lawmakers and officials have expressed their condolences, including former President Donald Trump, who referred to him as a “true American patriot” in a post on social media.
“Senator Lindsey Graham, one of the greatest men and senators I have ever known, has passed away. He was always working and a true American patriot,” Trump said. “Lindsay will be sorely missed!!! Details and arrangements to be made. So sad!”
In an interview on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Trump recounted a call he had with Graham shortly before his death. He mentioned that Graham had just returned from Ukraine and emphasized that it might have been their last conversation.
“What’s even weirder is that I got a call last night in the evening, probably around 7 o’clock. And he called me and said, ‘The SAVE America Act is ready.’ He seemed a little tired, but otherwise perfect,” Trump recounted.
“I thought maybe I’d see him today. And it hadn’t been that long. Then, around 1 a.m., I got a message saying he had passed away. I said, ‘I can’t believe it.’ He was like a family member to me. It’s very difficult,” he reflected.
Trump directed more focus towards Graham’s achievements rather than discussing other issues. “I want to honor Lindsey Graham’s life,” he noted, firmly establishing his intention to highlight the senator’s legacy.
Meanwhile, emergency responders had attended to Graham’s home the previous night following a report of a cardiac arrest.
Having served in the Senate since 2003, Graham recently won the Republican primary for re-election in June.
His opponent in the upcoming election, Dr. Annie Andrews, shared her condolences, encouraging voters in South Carolina to set aside political differences and appreciate Graham’s contributions.
“My deepest condolences go out to Sen. Lindsey Graham’s family, friends, dedicated staff, and all those who are grieving this sudden and great loss. He was a man of great faith who proudly served our country,” she said.
Vice President J.D. Vance also expressed his sorrow, acknowledging their political disagreements but emphasizing a fondness for Graham. “He fought hard for what he believed in and was just as willing to step up to bat when it mattered,” Vance remarked.
“Lindsay Graham came from a poor family to become one of the most powerful members of the most powerful nation on earth. His story was fundamentally American,” he continued.
Senator John Fetterman from Pennsylvania also expressed his condolences, calling Graham’s passing shocking and describing him as a “foreign policy giant.” Fetterman shared personal anecdotes, recalling Graham’s kindness and thoughtfulness.
“Sudden and terrible news about Sen. Lindsey Graham. The United States Senate has lost a foreign policy giant. Giselle and I send our deepest condolences to his family, friends and staff,” Fetterman wrote.
