US Senator Lindsey Graham, Trump Ally, Dies at 71

WASHINGTON – US Senator Lindsey Graham, a close ally of President Donald Trump, died Saturday evening after a "brief and sudden illness," his office confirmed Sunday. He was 71. Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, was serving his fourth consecutive six-year term in the Senate. His office announced the news on social media, asking for privacy for his family. Just weeks ago, Trump endorsed Graham's reelection campaign for the November midterm elections. Graham won the Republican primary in June against businessman Mark Lynch after receiving Trump's backing. The president praised their political and personal relationship, writing on his social platform Truth Social that Graham was "a great friend" who "always been there when I needed him." Graham was known as one of the most hardline Republican voices on Iran and a strong supporter of Israel. He had recently visited Kyiv for a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Trump called Graham "a true American Patriot" in a statement Sunday. Israeli officials, including President Isaac Herzog and Defense Minister Israel Katz, also expressed condolences. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described Graham as "a determined and fearless leader" who "fought until the last moment to support Ukraine's fight for freedom." She noted his work to strengthen sanctions against Russia in close cooperation with the European Union.