Tributes have poured in from world leaders, congressional colleagues, and foreign allies after the death of Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., who passed away at 71 following a brief and sudden illness.
Graham served in the Senate since 2003 and became one of the GOP's leading voices on national security and foreign policy. He was a sharp critic of President Donald Trump during the 2016 presidential campaign, but later emerged as one of the president's closest allies on various issues, including judicial confirmations and foreign policy.
President Trump paid tribute to Graham, calling him "a true American Patriot" and saying he "was always working." South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster described Graham as "irreplaceable" and the "fiercest of fighters for South Carolina and America."
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said his "heart is heavy" following Graham's death, praising him as a trusted adviser with a lasting impact on the federal judiciary, national defense, and his beloved South Carolina.
United States UN Amb. Mike Waltz remembered Graham as a fellow military officer and a tireless advocate for the U.S. military and foreign policy. Waltz praised Graham's extensive travel to meet with American troops and bring "ground truth back to legislating."
Graham's death also prompted tributes from across the aisle, with Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., remembering him as "kind, gracious, and thoughtful" and an expert on foreign policy.
World leaders have also paid tribute to Graham, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy calling him "a true defender of freedom" who stood with Ukraine "when it was most needed." NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte described Graham as "a powerful advocate for America" who believed strongly in the NATO Alliance.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Graham was "a true friend and partner of Germany in the transatlantic alliance," while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called him "a great friend of Israel" and "a cherished friend of mine." Netanyahu said Graham understood that the security of Israel and the United States "is inseparable" and devoted his life to strengthening the alliance between the two countries.
Graham's legacy will be felt for generations, with his impact on national security, foreign policy, and the U.S. Senate remembered for years to come.
