Lindsey Graham dead: Donald Trump ally and US Senator dies aged 71 | World | News

Donald Trump’s leading ally and US senator Lindsey Graham has died at the age of 71. Mr. Graham’s office said the Republican representative from South Carolina died on Saturday “due to a brief and sudden illness.”

The statement continued: “Senator Graham’s family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult time.” The office did not provide any additional details.

Mr. Graham was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2002 and was running for a fifth term. He briefly ran for president in 2016 and clashed with Mr. Trump, criticizing him as “unfit for office.”

But he later became one of Trump’s top allies, speaking to him frequently and appearing regularly alongside the president on the golf course.

Mr. Graham has advised the president on foreign policy issues, particularly on Iran and Russia, and on Friday announced a deal with the Trump administration to advance the Russia sanctions package.

He was in Ukraine to meet with Volodymyr Zelensky, who acknowledged the senator’s 10th visit to the country and thanked him for “knowing our fighters.”

As a member of the U.S. House of Representatives in the 1990s, Graham supported policies aimed at isolating Iran and limiting its missile and nuclear programs.