Lindsey Graham, South Carolina Senator, Dies at 71

WASHINGTON D.C. – Senator Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., died at 71 after experiencing a sudden illness, his office announced Monday. Graham had served in the U.S. Senate since 2003, representing South Carolina for two decades.

Throughout his time in Congress, Graham emerged as a prominent voice on national defense and foreign policy matters. Julie Tsirkin of NBC News and Kristen Welker, moderator of Meet the Press, reported on Graham's political career, his relationship with former President Donald Trump, and his perspectives on international conflicts.

Graham's work in the Senate included a focus on military affairs and global security. He frequently addressed the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and more recently, the ongoing conflicts involving Russia and Ukraine. His public statements often reflected a position described as hawkish regarding military intervention and international relations.

The senator also maintained a notable association with Donald Trump during and after Trump's presidency. This relationship evolved over time, becoming a consistent feature of Graham's political profile.

Before his Senate tenure, Graham served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1995 to 2003. He began his political career in the South Carolina House of Representatives.