Senator Lindsey Graham Passes Away

Update: 11:38 AM: President Donald Trump has announced that flags will be flown at half-staff nationwide in memory of Senator Lindsey Graham, who passed away on Saturday.

In a post on Truth Social, the president expressed, “In honor of the amazing life and accomplishments of our dear friend, Sen. Lindsey Graham, a truly great man who accomplished so much for our country and his beloved home state of South Carolina, we are ordering all American flags across the United States to be lowered to half-staff until 6 p.m. Saturday. God Bless Lindsey!”

Graham, a long-serving state senator from South Carolina, was also known for his role in the 2016 Republican presidential campaign. Over the years, he became a significant figure in foreign policy and a close ally of President Trump.

He chaired the Senate Appropriations Committee and served on several other committees during his time in office.

According to state law, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster will appoint a temporary replacement to fulfill Graham’s term.

As reported by NBC News, the election to fill his seat will begin with candidate applications starting July 21, with a special Republican primary scheduled for August 11. Graham had secured the Republican nomination for re-election in June and was set to face Democratic candidate Annie Andrews in the November elections.

8:30 AM: Senator Lindsey Graham died following what his office described as a “short, sudden illness.” He was 71 years old.

The statement from his office noted, “Senator Graham’s family appreciates your prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult time.”

Several lawmakers, including President Trump, acknowledged the senator’s death. Trump called Graham a “true American patriot” in his post on Truth Social.

“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 stated. “Lindsay will be sorely missed!!!”

During an appearance on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Trump recounted their last conversation, where Graham, who had just returned from Ukraine, seemed tired but engaged in his efforts for legislation like the American Rescue Act.

“I talked to him last night, probably around 7 o’clock. He called and said, ‘The SAVE America Act is ready.’ I thought I might see him today. And then, around 1 a.m., I received a message from his office saying he had passed away. I couldn’t believe it… He was like a family member to me,” Trump reflected.

The president noted that he wanted to focus on honoring Graham rather than discussing other topics.

When questioned about Iran, Trump replied, “I don’t want to talk about it because I want to honor Lindsey Graham’s life. As I said before the call… I want to talk about one person today: Lindsey Graham.”

Emergency responders were called to Graham’s home on Saturday night for reports of a cardiac arrest.

Graham had been a state senator since 2003 and was recently re-elected in June. His Democratic challenger, Dr. Annie Andrews, released a statement on his passing, urging South Carolinians to put aside partisan differences to recognize his service.

“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,” she said.

“From his small-town roots in South Carolina to the floor of the United States Senate, he was a man of great faith who proudly served our country as a JAG officer and an Air Force colonel,” she added.

Vice President J.D. Vance also expressed his sentiments, saying that while they had disagreements, he always had an admiration for Graham.

“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,” Vance noted.

“He fought hard for what he believed in and was just as willing to step up when it mattered,” he continued.

Senator John Fetterman from Pennsylvania also offered condolences, remarking on Graham’s impact as a foreign policy figure and his personal kindness.

“Sudden and terrible news about Sen. Lindsey Graham. The United States Senate has lost a foreign policy giant. On a personal level, he has always been kind, courteous, and thoughtful,” Fetterman shared.

“Giselle and I send our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and staff,” he added.