Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) Dies after a Brief Illness

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), one of President Donald Trump’s closest allies in Congress who traveled the globe to advocate for a more aggressive U.S. foreign policy, has died after a "brief and sudden illness," his office said. He was 71.

The statement posted on social media early Sunday said his family "appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period." The statement did not provide any additional details about the circumstances surrounding the Saturday night death of the South Carolina Republican, a former Air Force lawyer who served in Congress for three decades.

Trump said Graham was "like a member of the family. It’s very tough." The president said Graham called him on Saturday night after returning from a trip to Ukraine. "He sounded a little bit tired, but perfect," Trump told NBC’s "Meet the Press."

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