Trump Pays Tribute to Late Sen. Lindsey Graham, Calls Him One of the Greatest Senators | WPN World People News

U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, died on the evening of July 11 following a sudden illness at the age of 71, sending shockwaves through Washington. U.S. President Donald Trump publicly mourned Graham's passing, describing him as one of the greatest people he had ever known and one of the finest senators in American history.

According to a statement from Graham's office, the senator died after a "brief and sudden illness." The preliminary cause of death was identified as an aortic dissection. His family expressed gratitude for the prayers and support they have received and asked for privacy during this extremely difficult time.

Trump also ordered U.S. flags to be flown at half-staff nationwide until 6:00 p.m. on July 18 in honor of Graham. In a post on social media, Trump wrote, "He was one of the greatest people I have ever known and one of the greatest senators ever to serve our country. Lindsey worked tirelessly throughout his life and was a true American patriot."

Graham had served in the U.S. Senate since 2003 and was one of Trump's closest political allies. He had been preparing to seek a fifth six-year term in the November midterm elections. Before his death, he chaired the Senate Budget Committee and was widely regarded as one of the Senate's most influential members, particularly on defense and foreign policy issues within the Republican Party.

Graham was also one of the most prominent pro-Taiwan voices in the U.S. Congress and had consistently advocated stronger U.S.-Taiwan relations. In an interview with NBC in May this year, he said the United States has a responsibility to help ensure Taiwan's security while continuing its policy of strategic ambiguity. He also argued that if China were to launch a military attack on Taiwan, Washington should respond with comprehensive economic sanctions and tariffs against Beijing.

Graham first visited Taiwan in 1999 while serving as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. He returned to Taiwan in 2016 and again in 2022 during the presidency of Tsai Ing-wen. When meeting Graham's congressional delegation in April 2022, then-President Tsai praised his more than two decades of support for Taiwan, highlighting his contributions to strengthening U.S.-Taiwan economic and trade relations and expanding Taiwan's international participation. She described Graham as one of Taiwan's most important supporters in the U.S. Congress.