US officials and world leaders mourn the death of Senator Lindsey Graham

Washington, D.C. [US]July 12 (ANI): The sudden death of US Senator Lindsey Graham following a “brief and sudden illness” on Saturday (local time) sparked an outpouring of tributes from US and world leaders, who praised his unwavering commitment to his home state of South Carolina, transatlantic security, support for Ukraine and the US-Israel alliance.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance spoke of the complexity and dedication that he said defined Graham’s career. Recalling his time working alongside him, Vance shared a personal anecdote about the evolution of their professional relationship in an article on X.

“Early in my Senate tenure, I remember getting into an argument with Lindsey over a Ukraine funding bill over lunch, and then finding out the next day that he was pushing rail legislation that I really cared about behind the scenes. That was Lindsey Graham. He fought like hell for the things he believed in, and he was just as willing to fight for you when it mattered,” Vance noted.

Vance further highlighted Graham’s unique ability to bridge ideological divides within the party, emphasizing his relentless willingness to support Republican candidates regardless of their specific factional leanings.

“He loved the political game,” Vance remarked, adding, “He was constantly wondering which races were rising and falling, and how he could help.”

https://x.com/JDVance/status/2076305713576509465

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called Graham a “great American and patriot” and spoke of his legacy as a senator and “dedicated public servant.”

Touting him as a “one-of-a-kind politician,” Bessent said the South Carolina senator will be missed around the world.

“Senator Lindsey Graham was a great American and a great patriot. He was a dedicated public servant who never stopped fighting for the Palmetto State and all Americans. As a senator, he worked tirelessly for our country. It was an honor to call him my friend. And work with him to advance President Trump’s agenda domestically and on the international stage. Lindsey was a one-of-a-kind politician who could speak at length about global defense policy and South Carolina kitchen issues. He will be missed throughout our state, our country and around the world. My prayers go out to his sister and extended family during this difficult time,” he wrote in an article on X.

https://x.com/SecScottBessent/status/2076292986783060214

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson wrote in an article about He believed in and tirelessly defended American strength and exceptionalism.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also issued a poignant statement on behalf of the administration, emphasizing the deep personal and professional void left by the senator’s passing.

“America has lost a statesman. President Trump and the White House have lost a friend. Rest in peace, Senator Graham,” she wrote in an article on X.

https://x.com/PressSec/status/2076301161691242868

Earlier, Senate Majority Leader John Thune also remembered his “friend and colleague,” saying Graham was a strong ally for freedom-loving countries.

“Lindsey’s long and dedicated service in the Air Force and Congress took him to remote parts of the world. He was a staunch defender of the United States and a strong ally of freedom-loving countries around the world. He believed in the power of America to achieve good in the world and dedicated his life to advancing that cause,” Thune wrote on X.

Thune recalled how many presidents and heads of state relied on his advice, emphasizing how Graham influenced various branches of government.

Former Vice President Mike Pence described Graham as “a patriot and an incomparable voice for freedom and our armed forces,” adding that he and his wife, Karen, were “shocked and saddened” by the loss.

U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, sharing a heartfelt tribute to X, wrote: “It was a shock this morning to learn that my friend Lindsey Graham passed away. He was a man who loved his work, his country and his family. He didn’t have an easy life growing up and to me that explains a lot about him as well as his dedication to the other members of his family, including his sister. It also explained his almost childish exuberance about his job and the responsibilities he was given (even in his 60s, he would get off a plane in a foreign country with a wink in his eye and look at me as if to say: can you believe we’re actually here and doing this?’

Graham was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2002, succeeding Republican Senator and former South Carolina Governor Strom Thurmond.

Additionally, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted Graham’s tireless efforts to coordinate with the EU on sanctions against Russia.

In an article on We will miss him very much.

https://x.com/vonderleyen/status/2076220916955021693

Meanwhile, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola called Graham a “titan of American politics” and a “voice of freedom.”

Recalling a recent appearance together at the Munich Security Conference, she said in an article on

https://x.com/EP_President/status/2076238424986529948

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte described the senator as a “strong defender of America” ​​who believed deeply in the NATO alliance.

https://x.com/SecGenNATO/status/2076246463001035247

Finnish President Alexander Stubb lamented the loss of a “personal friend,” “transatlantic” and “supporter of NATO and Ukraine” who he said was a vital link between the United States and Europe.

https://x.com/alexstubb/status/2076213051959722414?s=20

Afterward, former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson also joined the chorus of tributes, calling Graham a “formidable defender of Western values” who “worked tirelessly for peace in Ukraine.”

https://x.com/BorisJohnson/status/2076225073183109407?s=20

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also remembered the US senator, calling him a “true defender of freedom.”

“Deeply saddened by the news of the passing of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham. Lindsey was a true defender of freedom and the values ​​that make our world safer,” Zelenskyy’s post on X reads.

Highlighting how Graham helped bring about a ceasefire in the Ukraine-Russia conflict, President Zelenskyy recalled how the U.S. senator had consistently advocated for bipartisan support for Ukraine.

Senator Graham’s support for Israel has been a cornerstone of his career, a commitment deeply felt by the country’s political establishment.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his condolences on Saturday (local time) over the death of US Senator Lindsey Graham, who had been a strong supporter of Israel.

Netanyahu said Graham was a great friend of Israel.

In an article on X, he said: “Sara and I mourn with the American people the loss of our dear friend, Senator Lindsey Graham. At our recent meeting, I said, “Lindsey is a great friend of Israel and a dear friend of mine. We don’t have a better friend than Lindsey. Lindsey understood that the security of Israel and America is inseparable. He dedicated his life to defending America, strengthening our alliance, and defending the free world.

“Israel has lost one of its greatest friends. America has lost a great patriot. I have lost a beloved friend. Our thoughts are with Lindsey’s family and the American people during this difficult time. May his values ​​and initiatives continue to guide us towards victory and peace, and may his memory forever be a blessing,” he added.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog, offering his condolences, said he was “devastated” by the news, calling Graham a “great American patriot” and a “true friend of Israel.”

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz highlighted the senator’s steadfast presence following the events of October 7, 2026. “He has visited Israel time and again, alongside our people in an extraordinary show of solidarity,” Katz said. “He was an exceptional leader, a man of principle and a dear friend.”

This sentiment was echoed by Gideon Sa’ar, Israel’s foreign minister, who called the senator “the best senator and best friend.” Sa’ar praised Graham’s “huge heart and rare personal charm,” adding: “The State of Israel has lost a great friend. Israel will not forget you.

Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel’s Minister of National Security, offered his condolences, saying: “Senator Lindsey Graham stood with Israel not because it was easy, but because he believed it was right. His unwavering support, courage and moral clarity have earned him the admiration of millions of Israelis.

Additionally, former Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi also paid tribute to the late lawmaker, remembering him as a “faithful friend” of the Iranian people.

In a statement published on X, Pahlavi praised the senator for his unwavering moral clarity, emphasizing that he stood with the Iranian people “when friends were rarely found.”

Despite the regime’s intense hostility, Pahlavi stressed that Graham’s commitment remained resolute.

“Iranians will never forget Senator Graham’s support during the Lion and Sun Revolution, and they will forever cherish his memory with deep gratitude and respect,” Pahlavi wrote, adding: “May his soul rest in peace.” May others continue their journey in the fight for freedom.

https://x.com/PahlaviReza/status/2076233576127848663

US President Donald Trump notably paid a deeply personal tribute to Senator Lindsey Graham, lamenting the loss of his ally, whom he described as a “great politician” and a central figure in his political orbit.

Speaking during an interview on NBC’s Meet the Press, Trump emphasized the deep personal impact of the senator’s passing, noting that he spoke with Graham just hours before his death.

Trump revealed that their final conversation centered on legislative strategy, particularly Graham’s dedication to the “SAVE America Act.”

According to Trump, the senator planned to take a tough stance against the filibuster aimed at moving the bill forward.

“Well, it’s devastating. I thought he was fine. He called me last night. Where he was really getting strong was the SAVE America Act, and I think he was going to be very present in the filibuster… he was a strong advocate for SAVE America, and that’s why he called me last night,” Trump said.

Meanwhile, the White House flag was lowered to half-mast in Washington following the death of Senator Lindsey Graham. (ANI)