US Sen. Lindsey Graham remembered as an 'American patriot'

Fellow elected officials and world leaders are remembering Sen. Lindsey Graham as a dedicated public servant and fighter for world peace.

Graham's office released a statement early Sunday morning saying he died following a "brief and sudden" illness.

President Donald Trump

President Trump hailed Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., just hours after news of the Republican firebrand's death became public on Sunday.

Trump called Graham a "true American Patriot" and said his administration is already working on arrangements to honor the longtime senator.

"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!!! DETAILS AND ARRANGEMENTS TO FOLLOW. So sad!" Trump wrote.

U.S. Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C.

In a statement released Sunday, Scott said Graham led with "faith, family, and South Carolina first" throughout his decades in public office."South Carolina lost a statesman and I've lost a friend," Scott said. "My prayers are with his sister and the rest of his family."

Scott praised Graham's commitment to public service, saying he remained devoted to his work until the end and brought humor and perspective even during difficult moments.

"Lindsey remained committed to public service and doing what he loved," Scott said. "He always introduced levity and brought wit to the most challenging moments."

Scott concluded his tribute by saying simply, "Lindsey will be missed."Graham died Sunday at the age of 71 following what his office described as a "brief and sudden" illness.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune

Senate Majority Leader John Thune honored Sen. Lindsey Graham early Sunday morning, praising his deceased colleague as a "trusted adviser."

"My heart is heavy this morning to learn of the passing of my friend and colleague, Senator Lindsey Graham," Thune wrote on X.

"Lindsey’s long and dedicated service in the Air Force and in Congress carried him to far-flung regions of the world. He was a strong advocate for the United States and a strong ally to freedom-loving countries across the globe. He believed in the might of America to achieve good in the world and dedicated his life to advancing that cause," he continued.

"As South Carolina’s senior senator, Lindsey fought passionately for the Palmetto State. He was a trusted adviser and colleague to me and many others, and numerous presidents and heads of state have relied on his counsel. His influence on the federal judiciary, our national defense, and his beloved South Carolina will be felt for generations," he wrote.

"Kimberley and I pray for Lindsey’s friends and family, and we send our heartfelt condolences during this most difficult time," he added.

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster 

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster released a statement early Sunday morning saying he is "devastated" by the news of Sen. Lindsey Graham's passing.

"Peggy and I – and our children – are devastated," he said in a statement. "Lindsey Graham is irreplaceable. The fiercest of fighters for South Carolina and America – and a loyal and steadfast friend. We grieve with Darline, his family and his developed staff. May God hold him gently in the palm of his hand. We shall not see his likes again."

Graham was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2002 and won reelection three times. He was seeking a fifth Senate term after winning the Republican primary last month.

Graham served as chairman of the Senate Budget Committee and sat on the Appropriations, Judiciary, and Environment and Public Works committees.

Before joining the Senate, Graham was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1994, becoming the first Republican to represent South Carolina's 3rd Congressional District since 1877.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu paid tribute to Graham following his death, calling the South Carolina Republican "one of Israel's greatest friends" and praising his decades-long support for the U.S.-Israel alliance.

"Sara and I grieve with the American people over the loss of our dear friend, Senator Lindsey Graham," Netanyahu said in a statement. He added that Graham understood "the security of Israel and America are inseparable" and dedicated his life to strengthening the alliance between the two countries.

"Israel has lost one of its greatest friends. America has lost a great patriot. I have lost a beloved friend," Netanyahu said, offering condolences to Graham's family and the American people.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy mourned the death of Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., in a statement on X on Sunday.

Zelenskyy called Graham a "true defender of freedom" and expressed his gratitude for the senator's frequent visits to Ukraine even during the Russian invasion.

"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. We remained in constant dialogue, and I will miss our conversations. We met twice in just the past week," Zelenskyy wrote.

"A staunch advocate for bipartisan and bicameral support for Ukraine, in recent weeks, he had been working on important initiatives that could help bring peace closer, including stronger sanctions against Russia. We will always be especially grateful for the recognition of our people and words of admiration for the courage of Ukraine’s defenders," he continued.

"America and the world have lost a determined leader. Our condolences go out to Lindsey’s family, loved ones, and everyone who had the privilege of working alongside him," Zelenskyy added.

Graham had just returned from a trip to Ukraine this weekend when news of his death from a "brief and sudden illness" swept Washington, D.C.

The senator's office has not released further details about his death.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte 

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said Graham 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." Rutte's predecessor, Jens Stoltenberg, lauded the South Carolina senator's "tireless commitment" to NATO and the trans-Atlantic bond, and his "staunch support" for Ukraine.

Graham commanded respect on NATO's eastern edge, where Russia's intentions are viewed with deep concern.

Estonia Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna

Estonia’s Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said that "Estonia will remember him as a steadfast friend, a strong supporter of NATO’s eastern flank, and an unwavering advocate for Ukraine." Latvian counterpart Baiba Braže said that he was "among the strongest supporters of NATO and transatlantic relations (and) assistance to Ukraine in countering Russian aggression."

"His commitment to the values of democracy, security, and international partnership earned him the respect and gratitude of many across Europe," Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys said. "His voice will be missed, but his legacy will endure."

U.S.PoliticsInstastories