NewsUS NewsLindsey GrahamThe senator died following a "brief and sudden illness" on Saturday, his office has confirmed07:46, 12 Jul 2026Updated 08:19, 12 Jul 2026US senator and Donald Trump's close ally Lindsey Graham has died.‌The 71-year-old Republican representative for South Carolina died suddenly on Saturday (July 11), his office has confirmed. He passed away last night following a "brief and sudden illness".‌Emergency services reportedly swarmed his Capitol Hill home on Saturday night to reports of a "cardiac arrest", according to police scanner audio, NBC News reports. The outlet added paramedics were seen at his address alongside police cars and firefighters.‌Mr Graham had only arrived back in the US from Ukraine on Friday after meeting President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv.His office said in a statement: "Senator Graham's family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period."‌The sad news comes as he was due to appear on NBC News' Meet The Press today (Sunday).The senator was first elected to the house 30 years ago, and to the US Senate in 2002. He intended to run for re-election this year and was considered a staunch ally of President Trump in recent years.Graham, a retired air force reserve colonel who specialised as a military lawyer, was particularly vocal on defence and foreign affairs. He vocally supported the Iraq war and had long campaigned for action against Iran while championing US support for Ukraine.‌He also served as Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee and although he briefly went head-to-head with Trump when running for president in 2016, Graham became one of Trump's most loyal supporters.The senator's loyalty waivered slightly in the wake of the US Capitol riots on January 6, 2021, but he refused to vote to convict Trump at his impeachment trial and later reinstated his support during the 2024 presidential election.Article continues belowHenry McMaster, the governor of South Carolina, said he was "devastated" by the news in a post on X.“Lindsey Graham is irreplaceable. The fiercest of fighters for South Carolina and America - and a loyal and steadfast friend," he wrote. "We grieve with Darline, his family and his devoted staff. May God hold him gently in the palm of his hand. We shall not see his likes again."Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌Lindsey GrahamDonald TrumpPolitics