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Tributes paid to US senator and Trump ally Lindsey Graham
World leaders, including Donald Trump and Joe Biden, paid tribute to Senator Lindsey Graham, praising his public service and leadership.
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AFP - Sun, 12, Jul 2026
- 17:00 EDT
- 50
Lindsey Graham / X/ LindseyGrahamSC
US Senator Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina Republican and key Trump ally who was elected to the Senate four times, died aged 71 following a "brief and sudden illness," his office said on July 12.
Graham made a name for himself with his work on foreign policy and in recent years urged both the Trump and Biden administrations to back Kyiv's fight against Russia's invasion. He was a staunch supporter of the Iran war.
Here are some of the reactions to Graham's sudden passing:
- US President Donald Trump -
US President Donal Trump praised the influential senator on July 12, calling him "one of the greatest people" in a post on his Truth Social site.
"Senator Lindsey Graham, one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known, is dead! He was always working, and was a true American Patriot. Lindsey will be greatly missed!!!"
- Former president Joe Biden -
Former president Joe Biden said he and his wife were shocked by Graham's sudden death.
"Lindsey and I served together in Congress for over a decade, and worked closely on many issues throughout the years. We traveled the world together as members of the Senate Foreign Relations committee.
"We disagreed often, and sometimes loudly. Lindsey and I did agree on the profound importance of public service. Like me, he loved the Senate as an institution, even with all its flaws and complexities."
- Former president George W. Bush -
Former president George W. Bush called Graham a "knowledgeable Senator who understood how the world works and how important America's international engagement is to resist tyranny.
"He was a kind and funny man who loved our country and loved serving it. South Carolina was fortunate to have such a committed public servant in its corner. And I was fortunate to have known Lindsey Graham."
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu -
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Graham a "great friend of Israel."
"In our recent meeting, I said, 'Lindsey is a great friend of Israel and a cherished friend of mine. We have no better friend than Lindsey.' Lindsey understood that the security of Israel and America are inseparable," he said in a statement released by his office.
"He devoted his life to defending America, strengthening our alliance and standing up for the free world. Israel has lost one of its greatest friends."
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky -
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also said he was deeply saddened by the death of Graham, whom he met in Kyiv as recently as July 10.
"He visited Ukraine ten times during the years of Russia's full-scale invasion and was here with our people when it was most needed... America and the world have lost a determined leader," Zelensky said in a Facebook post.
- EU chief Ursula von der Leyen -
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen applauded Graham's fight to support Ukraine, calling him a "determined and fearless leader."
"Senator Graham fought until the very end to support Ukraine's fight for freedom and raise the cost of Russia's war of aggression," she said in a post on X.
"He worked tirelessly to strengthen sanctions, in close coordination with the EU. A determined and fearless leader. He will be deeply missed."
- NATO chief Mark Rutte -
"So sad to learn of the sudden passing of my friend Lindsey Graham," Rutte posted online.
"He was a powerful advocate for America who believed strongly in the NATO alliance and was actively working to bring an end to Russia's war against Ukraine."
- Israeli President Isaac Herzog -
Israeli President Isaac Herzog said the news left him "shocked and heartbroken."
"Senator Graham was a beacon of moral clarity and a true leader of the U.S.-Israel partnership," he said in a post on X.
- Taiwan President Lai Ching-te -
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te said he was "deeply saddened by the sudden passing."
"A true friend of Taiwan, Senator Graham will always be remembered as an unwavering advocate & defender of freedom."
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