WASHINGTON, U.S.A. – President Donald Trump has ordered the lowering of American flags to fly at half-mast in honour of Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, who has died at the age of 71.
Following the president’s directive, Fox News reported that the White House lowered its flags to half-staff early Sunday morning to honour Senator Graham, who died unexpectedly late Saturday.
In a statement, President Trump described the late senator as one of the greatest people and senators he has ever known.
“He was always working and was a true American Patriot. Lindsey will be greatly missed!!! Details and arrangements to follow. So sad! President Donald J. Trump,” the president said in a statement.
The South Carolina Republican was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2002, won reelection three times and had been seeking a fifth Senate term after winning the Republican primary last month.
Senator Lindsey Graham’s office speaks out about his death
As a member of the U.S. House in the 1990s, he backed policies aimed at isolating the country 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’s office also released a statement following his death, saying it came following a ‘brief and sudden’ illness.
“On the evening of Saturday, July 11, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham passed away from a brief and sudden illness. Senator Graham’s family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period.”
PM Benjamin Netanyahu reacts to Senator Graham’s death
He was a staunch ally of President Trump. The deceased senator was known for his warmongering policies. Graham was also in favour of U.S. military action against Iran.
Reacting to Graham’s death, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that his regime had lost one of the greatest friends.
“Sara and I grieve with the American people over the loss of our dear friend, Senator Lindsey Graham. In our recent meeting, I said, “Lindsey is a great friend of Israel and a cherished friend of mine. We have no better friend than Lindsey,” Netanyahu said.
Taking to his official X account (formerly Twitter), the Israeli premier said that Lindsey understood that the security of Israel and America are inseparable.
“He devoted his life to defending America, strengthening our alliance and standing up for the free world. Israel has lost one of its greatest friends. America has lost a great patriot. I have lost a beloved friend. Our hearts are with Lindsey’s family and with the American people at this difficult time. May his values and initiatives continue to guide us toward victory and peace, and may his memory forever be a blessing,” added PM Netanyahu.
Other world leaders condole with Senator Graham’s family
In his condolence message, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he was deeply saddened by the news of the passing of United States Senator Lindsey Graham.
“Lindsey was a true defender of freedom and the values that make our world safer. He visited Ukraine ten times during the years of Russia’s full-scale invasion and was here with our people when it was most needed. We remained in constant dialogue, and I will miss our conversations,” said Zelenskyy.
The Ukrainian leader disclosed that he met with the deceased senator twice in just the past week.
“A staunch advocate for bipartisan and bicameral support for Ukraine, in recent weeks he had been working on important initiatives that could help bring peace closer, including stronger sanctions against Russia. We will always be especially grateful for the recognition of our people and words of admiration for the courage of Ukraine’s defenders. America and the world have lost a determined leader. Our condolences go out to Lindsey’s family, loved ones, and everyone who had the privilege of working alongside him,” wrote Zelenskyy.
President of the European Union Commission Ursula von der Leyen conveyed her condolences to Senator Lindsey Graham’s family and loved ones.
“Senator Graham fought until the very end to support Ukraine’s fight for freedom and raise the cost of Russia’s war of aggression. He worked tirelessly to strengthen sanctions, in close coordination with the EU. A determined and fearless leader. He will be deeply missed,” said Ursula von der Leyen.
Graham, who was best known for his hawkish foreign policy positions, mounted a brief bid for the party’s presidential nomination during the 2016 campaign and later was a vocal critic of Trump, the eventual GOP nominee.
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