U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), a leading Republican voice on foreign policy and one of President Donald Trump’s closest allies in Congress, died Saturday evening after a brief and sudden illness, his office announced early Sunday. He was 71.
Statement from the Office of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina). pic.twitter.com/CQ5yVvqTH1
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) July 12, 2026
“On the evening of Saturday, July 11, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham passed away from a brief and sudden illness. Senator Graham’s family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period,” his office said in a statement posted on X.
One of Graham’s final posts
Days before his death, Graham responded on X to footage showing posters bearing his image beneath a red target, alongside similar posters featuring other prominent American political figures.
“At least they used a good photo of me,” Graham wrote. “Judge me by my enemies.”
At least they used a good photo of me.
Judge me by my enemies. https://t.co/Ok2Oq1v4O5 pic.twitter.com/b1RBvzKo9K
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) July 6, 2026
Graham represented South Carolina in the U.S. Senate from 2003 until his death and chaired the Senate Budget Committee. His office did not disclose the illness or provide additional details about the circumstances surrounding his death.
