Senator Lindsey Graham dies at 71 after sudden illness

US Senator Lindsey Graham, a prominent Republican from South Carolina and a key ally of former President Donald Trump, passed away on Saturday evening after a sudden and brief illness, his communications director confirmed in a social media post early Sunday. Graham, 71, had been a fixture in Washington for decades, known for his hawkish stance on defense and national security. He was first elected to the Senate in 2002 after serving in the House of Representatives since 1994. His office released a statement saying, "Senator Graham’s family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period."

Graham's political career was marked by a notable evolution: he began as a vocal critic of Trump during the 2016 primaries but later became one of the president's most loyal defenders on Capitol Hill. As a defense hawk, he consistently pushed for aggressive outcomes in the War on Terror, arguing it was essential to protect long-term U.S. national security interests. His sudden death leaves a significant void in the Senate, particularly among Republicans who relied on his expertise in foreign policy and military affairs. Tributes from both sides of the aisle are expected in the coming days.