U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, one of President Donald Trump’s closest allies in Congress, died Saturday evening after a brief and sudden illness, his office said in a statement posted on social media.

Graham’s Career and Legacy

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 initially clashed with Trump, criticizing him as “unfit for office.” However, he later emerged as one of Trump’s top allies, speaking with him frequently and becoming a regular presence on the golf course alongside the president.

Graham especially advised the president on foreign policy matters such as Iran and Russia. He had just announced an agreement on Friday with the Trump administration to move forward on a package of Russia sanctions.

President Trump wrote on Truth Social early Sunday, “Senator Lindsey Graham, one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known, is dead! He was always working, and was a true American Patriot. Lindsey will be greatly missed!!! DETAILS AND ARRANGEMENTS TO FOLLOW. So sad!” Trump then ordered flags to be flown at half mast until Saturday evening to honor Graham.

Graham had been in Ukraine to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who acknowledged the senator’s 10th visit to the country and thanked him for recognizing Ukrainian warriors.

Graham’s Impact on Policy

As a member of the U.S. House in the 1990s, Graham backed policies aimed at isolating Iran and limiting its missile and nuclear programs. He also cheered on Trump’s decision to strike nuclear sites last year and had been a supporter of the latest conflict that started a few months ago.

Graham had been serving as the chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, giving him a central role during Trump’s second term as Republicans pushed major legislation on party-line votes with a slim majority in the chamber.

Original reporting: WTVQ (Lexington) — read the source article.