US Senator Lindsey Graham, Close Aide Of Donald Trump, Dies At 71 After 'Brief, Sudden Illness'

Washington: Republican US Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, a close ally of President Donald Trump, has passed away at the age of 71, his office confirmed on Sunday.

What did the office say?

This information was given in a statement issued on Lindsey Graham's official X account on the evening of July 11, following a "brief and sudden illness".

"On the evening of Saturday, July 11, US 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," the Office of US Senator said in a statement.

Statement from the Office of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina). pic.twitter.com/CQ5yVvqTH1

— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) July 12, 2026

The details of his illness have not been revealed yet.

Who is Lindsey Graham?

US Senator Lindsey Graham was very close to Donald Trump and was currently preparing to pass a bill which had a provision to impose a 500 per cent tariff on India. This bill was about imposing heavy tariffs on countries buying Russian oil, on which an agreement was reached with the Trump administration. 

According to reports, Lindsey Graham suffered a cardiac arrest at his Capitol Hill residence on Saturday night, after which doctors were contacted. Graham turned 71 on July 9 and had met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday and was scheduled to appear on "Meet the Press" on Sunday. As chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, he recently secured his party's nomination for a fifth term in the November 2026 election.