The President of the United States, Donald Trump, has expressed his regret over the passing this past Saturday of Senator for South Carolina Lindsey Graham, Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, a close ally of the president and a key figure in US foreign policy.
"Senator Lindsey Graham, one of the most extraordinary people and senators I have ever known, has passed away. He was always working and was a true American patriot. He will be greatly missed," Trump stated in a brief message on his Truth Social platform.
The 71-year-old senator died Saturday night due to a "brief and sudden illness," according to a statement released by his office on social media.
Graham established himself as one of the Republican leaders in foreign policy. With a markedly hawkish profile, he was one of the strongest voices in favor of military intervention in Iran, supported the invasion of Iraq in his day, and remained a solid supporter of Israel.