Republican Lindsey Graham dies at 71: World leaders, US politicians react

The longtime US senator, an ally of President Trump, was an advocate for using US military force overseas.United States Senator Lindsey Graham, a key Republican who went from a vocal critic of Donald Trump to one of his most loyal allies on Capitol Hill after Trump became president, has died at the age of 71.The South Carolina lawmaker died after a “brief and sudden illness”, his office posted on X early on Sunday. US media said emergency personnel had responded to a cardiac arrest call at his Capitol Hill home in Washington, DC, on Saturday night.Recommended Stories list of 1 itemlist 1 of 1Lindsey Graham, one of Israel’s strongest US Senate allies, dies at 71end of listGraham, just back from a trip to Ukraine, had been scheduled to appear on the Meet the Press TV programme on Sunday morning, the network said.Here are some key reactions:Alexander Stubb, Finnish presidentStubb called Graham “a personal friend. A supporter of NATO and Ukraine. A Transatlanticist. A friend of Finland.”Benjamin Netanyahu, prime minister of IsraelNetanyahu remembered Graham as a close friend and a strong supporter of the US-Israel alliance and praised his commitment to Israel’s security and the broader cause of the free world.“Sara and I grieve with the American people over the loss of our dear friend, Senator Lindsey Graham,” Netanyahu said in an statement, also mentioning his wife.“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,’” he added.Donald Trump, US presidentTrump paid tribute to Graham, describing the senator as a dedicated public servant and a close ally during his years in politics.“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!!!” Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform.Friedrich Merz, German chancellorMerz said Graham was “a true friend and partner of Germany in the transatlantic alliance. We stood side by side for more than four decades.”IranIranian state television announced Graham’s death during a live broadcast in openly hostile terms.