Lindsey Graham died at 71 after becoming a key ally to President Trump and a prominent voice for South Carolina.
Lindsey Graham, the longtime Senator from South Carolina, died at age 71 following a brief and sudden illness. A preliminary report from the D.C. medical examiner’s office attributed his death to an aortic dissection due to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease. During his tenure, Graham underwent a notable political transformation, evolving from a "Never Trump" critic into one of the most loyal allies of President Trump. He served as a frequent golfing partner and a key liaison for the administration, notably defending the confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. In his final days, Graham was linked to a potential breakthrough on the SAVE America Act. Senate Majority Leader John Thune suggested that Graham may have offered President Trump a reconciliation option regarding the bill, which seeks to reform federal elections. While the bill has stalled in the Senate, House Speaker Mike Johnson is moving forward with a budget resolution to bypass the filibuster and enact the GOP's top priority. Graham’s sister, Darline, will serve the remainder of his unexpired term.