Trump, Thune Lead Tributes to Senator Lindsey Graham Following His Death

President Donald Trump paid tribute to Senator Lindsey Graham in a pre-dawn post on Truth Social early Sunday, following news of the South Carolina Republican’s death. Trump wrote that Graham was “one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known” and called him “a true American Patriot,” adding, “Lindsey will be greatly missed!!! DETAILS AND ARRANGEMENTS TO FOLLOW. So sad!” CNN

Graham’s office confirmed his death, saying he died from a “brief and sudden illness” and asking for privacy for his family during this difficult time. ABC17NEWS He was 71.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune also released a statement honoring his colleague. Thune praised Graham’s decades of military and public service and his belief in “the might of America to achieve good in the world,” saying his “influence on the federal judiciary, our national defense, and his beloved South Carolina will be felt for generations.” CNN

According to CNN, emergency responders were dispatched to a Washington, D.C. address for Graham around 8:30 p.m. in response to a report of someone suffering from chest pains, according to dispatch audio. ABC17NEWS Details about the exact cause of death have not been disclosed, and officials have not released further medical information, citing privacy considerations.

Tributes also poured in from other world leaders, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, both of whom praised Graham’s decades-long advocacy on their nations’ behalf. Graham had served in the Senate since 2003 and was a leading voice on foreign policy and defense issues throughout his career.