Senator Lindsey Graham, a 71-year-old South Carolina Republican and close ally of President Donald Trump, died Saturday evening after what his office described as a brief and sudden illness. Trump responded on social media early Sunday, calling Graham a hardworking patriot and expressing sorrow at his passing. Graham had served in the Senate since 2002, chaired the Budget Committee, and advised Trump on foreign policy regarding Iran and Russia, having recently announced a Russia sanctions deal. He also frequently traveled abroad, including to Ukraine, and was mourned by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. His death removes a key figure in Republican legislative strategy as the party pursues major bills through reconciliation.