US Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a close ally of President Donald Trump, died on Saturday afternoon at the age of 71 after suffering a “brief and sudden illness,” his office confirmed this Sunday on the social network X.

"On the night of Saturday, July 11, US Senator Lindsey Graham passed away after a brief and sudden illness. Senator Graham's family appreciates your prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period," detailed the office of the former senator from South Carolina.

Just a few weeks ago, Trump had endorsed Graham's reelection campaign for the November midterm elections, in which the entire House of Representatives and a third of the Senate will be renewed, which may alter the balance of power in Washington.

Graham won his party's primary for the November race against businessman Mark Lynch in June, after receiving Trump's endorsement.

Then, Trump highlighted on his network, Truth Social, his political and personal relationship with Graham, one of the president's most loyal Republicans, at a time when several members of the party have questioned the costs of the war with Iran for American taxpayers.

Graham “is working incredibly hard for the great people of South Carolina, a state that I love and won widely in 2016, 2020 and 2024. Lindsey has been a great friend and has always been there when I needed him (…). Lindsey Graham has my complete and total support for his re-election,” the president then wrote.

The senator was serving his fourth consecutive six-year term in the Senate and was one of the Republican voices hardest on Iran and most favorable to Israel.EFE