US Senator Lindsey Graham dies at 71 after brief illness, Trump leads tributes

US Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina died on July 11, 2026 at age 71 following a "brief and sudden illness," his office announced via X on July 12. The statement said his family appreciates prayers and asks for privacy. Graham was first elected to the US House in 1994, then to the Senate in 2002, and was re-elected in 2008, 2014, and 2020, most recently serving as Senate Budget Committee chairman.

A close Trump ally, Israel supporter, and Iran policy hawk, Graham's passing drew tributes from global leaders. Israeli President Isaac Herzog said he was "shocked and heartbroken," calling Graham "a beacon of moral clarity" in the US-Israel partnership who "stood by the people of Israel in our most difficult moments." South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster praised him as "the fiercest of fighters for South Carolina and America — and a loyal and steadfast friend."

While his influence on US foreign policy marked him as a significant international figure, the report specifies no direct impacts on Nigeria. His four-decade congressional career focused on defense, budget, and Middle East policy concludes with his passing.

SOURCE: https://www.channelstv.com/2026/07/12/trump-ally-longtime-us-senator-lindsey-graham-dies-at-71/