Lindsey Graham, a Republican senator representing South Carolina and a close ally of President Donald Trump, has died at the age of 71 after a brief illness.
In a statement posted on social media on Saturday, Graham’s
office said he died following a “brief and sudden illness” but did not disclose
the cause of death.
“Senator Graham’s family appreciates prayers at this time
and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period,” the statement
reads.
Graham was elected to the US senate in 2002 and was serving
his fourth term while campaigning for re-election. He previously served in the
US house of representatives from 1995 to 2003.
Although Graham sought the Republican presidential
nomination in 2016 and initially criticised Trump, he later emerged as one of
the president’s closest allies.
The South Carolina senator became a frequent adviser to
Trump on foreign policy, particularly on Iran and Russia, and was a regular
presence at the president’s golf outings.
On Friday, a day before his death, Graham announced an
agreement with the Trump administration to move forward with a package of
sanctions against Russia.
Throughout his political career, Graham was known for his
hawkish foreign policy positions.
He consistently advocated tougher measures against Iran and
supported efforts to limit the country’s missile and nuclear programmes.
He also backed Trump’s decision to strike Iranian nuclear
facilities last year and remained a strong supporter of the administration’s
approach to conflicts in the Middle East.
Graham’s death comes amid renewed scrutiny of transparency
surrounding the health of US lawmakers following recent health-related absences
involving other members of congress.
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