Graham was among Trump’s fiercest Republican critics during the 2016 presidential campaign, but has since become a close ally.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Lindsey Graham, a Republican senator representing South Carolina and a close ally of US President Donald Trump, has passed away at the age of 71.
His death was confirmed in a statement released by his office, which stated that he died on Saturday evening following a ‘brief and sudden illness’.
The statement added that, following his demise, the late lawmaker’s family has asked for ‘privacy during this incredibly difficult period’.
Elected to the Senate in 2002, he was one of Washington’s most influential political voices on foreign policy.
He had only just returned from Kyiv, where he met the Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, on Friday; there were no known health concerns ahead of his trip.
Reacting to his death, Trump took to his official Truth Social handle to pen an emotional tribute to the veteran lawmaker.
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According to the President, Graham was highly dedicated to public service and was unwaveringly committed to the United States.
”Lindsey Graham was one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known,” Trump wrote.
He added: “He was always working, and was a true American patriot. Lindsey will be greatly missed!!!”
Graham was among Trump’s fiercest Republican critics during the 2016 presidential campaign, openly questioning his fitness for office.
However, after the 80-year-old won the presidency, the two leaders developed a close political alliance.
Graham went on to become one of Trump’s most loyal supporters in Congress, frequently defending his administration’s policies and working closely with the White House on major domestic and foreign policy issues.
