U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham Dies at 71
South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham, a fixture in Washington for more than three decades and a prominent foreign policy hawk, died on July 11, 2026, at the age of 71. His office initially announced that the senator passed away following a “brief and sudden illness.”
Medical Examiner of the District of Columbia Confirms Aortic Dissection
Following preliminary medical examination findings, the senator’s office clarified late Sunday that the cause of death was an “aortic dissection” brought on by arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease. An aortic dissection is a life-threatening condition defined as a tear in the main artery that carries blood from the heart. The findings were provided by the Medical Examiner of the District of Columbia.
Emergency personnel responded to Graham’s Capitol Hill home on Saturday, July 11, at approximately 8:30 p.m. following a report of an individual suffering from chest pains. According to public safety radio feeds and records reviewed by USA TODAY and the Washington Post, emergency responders were conducting CPR on a man suffering from cardiac arrest at the residence. CBS News obtained photos showing emergency responders taking a person from the home that night.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Donald Trump Acknowledge Final Diplomatic Meetings
Graham’s sudden passing occurred just hours after he returned from a trip to Kyiv, Ukraine, where he had been seen speaking to the media on July 10. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had acknowledged Graham’s visit on social media, writing: “I’m grateful to Lindsey for recognizing our warriors.” Prior to his death, Graham had also been in contact with President Donald Trump regarding the SAVE America Act, a piece of voting legislation.
For more on this story, see リンドセイ・グレアム元上院議員、71歳で死去 急性心臓病発作で亡くなる.
President Trump, who had ordered flags to be lowered in honor of the senator, paid tribute to his ally on Truth Social, calling him “one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known.” Trump told Reuters that he spoke to Graham “minutes” before the lawmaker was taken ill. “Other than being tired he was fine,” Trump said during a Sunday appearance on NBC’s “Meet the Press.” Trump further stated, There are these rumors. But, no, I believe he had a very short-term illness. He was a friend of mine, a great friend of mine, and it’s very devastating losing him.
Senate Career Spanning From 2003 to 2026
Graham’s death marks the end of a long and evolving political career. In 2016, he had been a vocal critic of Donald Trump, calling him a “race-baiting bigot” and the most flawed nominee in the history of the Republican party. Ahead of the 2016 election, Graham warned, “If we nominate Trump, we will get destroyed… and we will deserve it.” He eventually became one of Trump’s staunchest allies and a frequent golf partner.
Throughout his tenure in the Senate, which began in 2003, Graham was known for championing peace through American strength, advocating for military interventions in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Iran. He had been running for re-election in November. According to his office, the senator’s family has a history of heart disease; his father, Florence James Graham, died of a heart attack in his late 60s.
In a statement released Sunday morning on X, Graham’s office noted: “Senator Graham’s family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period.” Graham had been scheduled to appear on Sunday’s episode of “Meet the Press” prior to his passing.
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