U.S. and world leaders pay tribute to Lindsey Graham following sudden death
The senior U.S. senator for South Carolina died suddenly at 71 on Saturday.
Updated on: July 12, 2026 / 7:55 AM EDT / CBS News
Washington — Tributes began pouring in early Sunday as foreign leaders and American politicians reacted to the death of Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, who died after a "brief and sudden illness" Saturday .
Graham, a four-term senator and outspoken foreign policy hawk, was 71. He passed away Saturday evening, his office announced. No further details about his death were immediately available.
The unexpected news sent shockwaves through Washington and beyond.
President Trump called Graham "one of the greatest people and senators I have ever known."
"He was always working, and was a true American Patriot. Lindsey will be greatly missed!!!" the president said in a post on Truth Social, adding that details and arrangements would follow.