President Trump is mourning the loss of Sen.
Lindsey Graham, calling him a "true American patriot" after the South Carolina Republican's unexpected death at age 71.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump praised Graham as "one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known" and said he would be "greatly missed."
Graham's staff announced his passing late Saturday night on X, stating he died after "a brief and sudden illness."
The exact cause was not disclosed.
Graham was a close ally of Trump in Congress, championing many of his policies, particularly on Middle East conflicts involving Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also paid tribute, saying Graham "devoted his life to defending America, strengthening our alliance and standing up for the free world."
Netanyahu added, "Israel has lost one of its greatest friends. America has lost a great patriot.
I have lost a beloved friend."
