Lindsey Graham Dies

Sen. Lindsey Graham, a close ally of President Donald Trump, has died after a brief illness. The South Carolina Republican was 71. Graham was known for advocating a strong U.S. foreign policy. He initially opposed Trump and ran against him for president in 2016, but later became a staunch supporter. Graham had just returned from Ukraine, where he’d meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Graham was known for advising Trump on matters such as Iran and Russia. Trump says Graham “sounded a little bit tired, but perfect,” when the senator called the president Saturday night after returning from his trip. The Medical Examiner of the District of Columbia’s preliminary findings are Graham died of aortic dissection.

Lindsey Graham's relationship with Donald Trump was a roller coaster. After the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol, the Republican senator from South Carolina said he was done with Trump. But that didn't last long. Graham's journey with Trump was marked by dramatic shifts, from fierce critic to close ally. The two men bonded over golf, and Graham became a key supporter of Trump’s policies and a close adviser on foreign policy matters, including staunchly supporting the war in Iran. Graham even compared Trump to almost a deity. The president said Graham, who died Saturday night, was a “true American patriot.”

President Donald Trump says South Carolina's governor should appoint Lindsey Graham’s sister to finish his term that ends in January. Graham's death has sparked a political scramble. As a senior senator and ally of Trump, Graham was expected to win reelection easily. Now, Gov. Henry McMaster must appoint a temporary replacement until January. A special primary will determine the Republican nominee for the general election. The open Senate seat has ambitious conservatives vying for the position. Meanwhile, Democrats have nominated Charleston pediatrician Annie Andrews, who has raised significant campaign funds. Graham's death leaves a significant void in the Senate, where seniority can determine influence.