US Sen. Lindsey Graham dies at 71
The life and legacy of Lindsey Graham
LiveNOW from FOX's Ryan Schmelz reflects on the life and legacy of Lindsey Graham with political analyst Rich Rubino.
U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., has died at the age of 71. Graham's office released a statement early Sunday morning saying he died following a "brief and sudden" illness.
His office did not provide any additional details about the South Carolina Republican and said his family "appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period."
Chairman Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., conducts the Senate Budget Committee confirmation hearing for Hal Duncan, nominee to be deputy director of the Office of Management and Budget, in Dirksen building on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll
RELATED: US Sen. Lindsey Graham remembered as an 'American patriot'
Graham served in the U.S. Senate since 2003 after first being elected in 2002 and was seeking a fifth Senate term after winning the Republican primary last month.
During his more than three decades in elected office, Graham served on several influential Senate committees, including Appropriations, Judiciary, and Environment and Public Works.
Before joining the Senate, he represented South Carolina's 3rd Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. Graham remained active in foreign policy until his death. He met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv on Friday and was scheduled to appear on NBC's "Meet the Press" on Sunday.
Trump reacts to Senator Lindsey Graham's death
President Trump released a statement on Truth Social reacting to the death of Senator Lindsey Graham. " He was always working, and was a true American Patriot," said Trump.
A veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve, Graham retired as a colonel in 2015 after 33 years of military service, including deployments during the Gulf War, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
President Donald Trump paid tribute to Graham on Truth Social, calling him "a true American Patriot" and saying he would be "greatly missed." South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster also honored Graham, describing him as an "irreplaceable" leader and a loyal friend.
Trump said he's ordered all American flags to be lowered to half-staff until 6 p.m. Saturday.
The Source: Information in this article was provided by The Associated Press and FOX News. This story was reported from Orlando.