Senator Lindsey Graham (Republican), a core ally of U.S. President Donald Trump and a leading figure in hardline foreign and security policy, has passed away at the age of 71.

The office of Senator Graham, who represented South Carolina, said in an official statement, "Senator Graham passed away on the evening of July 11 surrounded by his family." The statement added, "The family appreciates the condolences and prayers, and asks that their privacy be respected as they cope with their grief." His office noted that he passed away after a brief illness that came suddenly.

Born in 1955, the late senator first entered politics when he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1994. He was then elected to the Senate in 2002. He went on to win re-election three consecutive times, establishing himself as a prominent Republican veteran who served in the U.S. Senate for more than 20 years.

The most striking aspect of his political career is his dramatic shift in relationship with President Trump. During the 2016 Republican presidential primary, he was a fierce critic of candidate Trump, but after the primary, he repaired the relationship and assumed a key bridging role between the White House and the Republican Party. He subsequently became an active supporter of President Trump on major issues including foreign, security, and defense policy, firmly establishing himself as one of the most prominent pro-Trump figures within the Republican Party.

Until recently, Senator Graham chaired the Senate Budget Committee and played key roles in other major committees, including the Appropriations Committee, the Judiciary Committee, and the Environment and Public Works Committee. He is particularly remembered as a figure who consistently championed military strengthening and a tough foreign policy stance, exerting a profound influence on U.S. foreign and security policy.

Upon the news of his passing, a wave of mourning from both sides of the political aisle has swept across the American political sphere. Republican leadership and numerous political figures alike paid tribute to his long legislative career and dedication to national security, praying for the repose of the deceased.

[※ This article was generated using AI. It was reconstructed based on publicly available information, and some details may change in accordance with future official announcements.]