Former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley also paid tribute to Graham this morning. She wrote on X:

Lindsey loved South Carolina deeply. There was never a day he stopped fighting for the people of our state.

Through his military service and years in public office, he gave his all to protect America and our freedom-loving allies.

He was truly one of a kind.

Michael and I are lifting up Darline and his entire family in prayer during this difficult time.

Trump also said he felt that Graham would be “appreciated more now than when he was living”.

More now from Donald Trump’s interview on NBC’s Meet the Press this morning, where he said that one of Lindsey Graham’s legacies as a legislator was helping to confirm US supreme court justice Brett Kavanaugh in 2018.

“I don’t think he could have gotten through without Lindsey,” Trump said of Kavanaugh. The president added:

He was a great politician. He really was. He got along with a lot of people that you wouldn’t think of. He was somebody that loved our country. And he fought very hard for the country.

Donald Trump has ordered all American flags throughout the United States to be lowered to half-staff until 6pm on 18 July to honor the “remarkable life and achievements of Senator Lindsey Graham”.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump described Graham as “a dear friend of mine, and a truly great man”, adding:

GOD BLESS YOU LINDSEY!

World leaders continue to pay tribute to Lindsey Graham, particularly over his unwavering support for Ukraine.

Nato secretary general Mark Rutte wrote that he was “so sad to learn of the sudden passing of my friend”. Graham, he said, was a “powerful advocate for America who believed strongly in the Nato alliance and was actively working to bring an end to Russia’s war against Ukraine”. He added: “I will miss him dearly.”

Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, called Graham “a determined and fearless leader”. She wrote: “Senator Graham fought until the very end to support Ukraine’s fight for freedom and raise the cost of Russia’s war of aggression. He worked tirelessly to strengthen sanctions, in close coordination with the EU. He will be deeply missed.”

Canadian PM Mark Carney wrote that Graham “stood resolutely in defence of democracy and freedom, most recently and particularly with Ukraine and its people”.

British foreign secretary Yvette Cooper said Graham was “a steadfast supporter of the Nato alliance and unrelenting in his support for the fight for freedom in Ukraine, visiting Kyiv again only this week.” She added: “His voice in those debates will be greatly missed.”

German chancellor Friedrich Merz called Graham “a true friend and partner of Germany in the transatlantic alliance”. He added: “For more than four decades, we have stood side by side. I will miss him.”

FBI director Kash Patel wrote on X:

Senator Lindsey Graham was a devoted public servant, a fierce defender of our nation, and a true patriot who dedicated his life to the people of South Carolina and the United States. Our prayers are with his family, loved ones, colleagues, and all those who knew him during this devastating time. The FBI is assisting local authorities and has made every necessary resource available.

The post itself does not indicate that authorities suspect foul play in the senator’s death. However, there has been some speculation online about the circumstances surrounding Graham’s sudden death after what his office described as a “brief illness”.

Pod Save America co-host and former Obama adviser Dan Pfeiffer responded to Patel’s post by calling it “an idiotic tweet from a complete idiot that will give rocket fuel to the conspiracy theories circulating online.”

Mace also just posted on X a bit of skepticism at Trump’s telling of his last conversation with Graham, in which the president claims the late senator was fired up about his controversial voter registration bill.

She wrote:

Shockingly, Lindsey Graham died a few minutes after speaking to President Trump - confirming the Senate was all set to pass the SAVE America Act… according to the President.

Nancy Mace, a Maga firebrand who recently ran for South Carolina governor but came in fifth in the state’s primary election, is one of several politicians eyeing Lindsey Graham’s seat.

She posted a not-so-subtle but also not exactly mournful video clip on X from The Godfather Part III of Michael Corleone saying, “Just when I thought I was out… they pull me back in”.

And earlier, a person familiar with Mace’s thinking told The Hill “Yolo” (you only live once) when asked about her interest in replacing the late senator.

Former president Joe Biden, who served with Graham in the Senate for over a decade, said he was “shocked by [his] sudden passing].

Lindsey and I served together in Congress for over a decade, and worked closely on many issues throughout the years. We traveled the world together as members of the Senate Foreign Relations committee. We disagreed often, and sometimes loudly.

Lindsey and I did agree on the profound importance of public service. Like me, he loved the Senate as an institution, even with all its flaws and complexities.

To his family, his staff, his constituents in South Carolina, and everyone who loved him: Jill and I are keeping you in our prayers.

Democratic senator Chris Coons said there was “no better friend, no tougher adversary” than Lindsey Graham as he reflected on their friendship, marked by bipartisan foreign policy achievements and fierce sparring in Congress.

Graham had been “jubilant” after Donald Trump signaled that he was open to moving forward with the Russian sanctions package, Coons told ABC’s This Week. “It’s my hope that we will take up and pass this bill in Lindsey’s memory this week when we all get back to session,” he added.

Here’s Coons’s statement:

I traveled the world with Lindsey, visiting dozens of countries across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. We argued, advocated, and legislated together for more than fifteen years, and I am stunned by his sudden passing. We had dinner to celebrate his birthday at the Nato summit this past week, and one of my last memories of him will be of his irreverent wit, as well as his patriotism and love of freedom. Lindsey believed in the fundamental goodness of an America that uses its might to support the fight for freedom globally. His passionate advocacy for Ukraine and his tireless fight to impose greater costs on Putin for his war of aggression inspired many of us in the Senate. We should promptly pass his bill with Senator Blumenthal to impose greater sanctions and tariffs on the buyers of Russian oil and gas in his memory.

While we disagreed fiercely on many policy issues, he was complicated and could not be pigeonholed. I will never forget that at the height of the hearings over Justice Kavanaugh’s confirmation in 2018, one of the ugliest and most partisan fights we ever had, he was also quietly working hard to save American foreign aid. Several of my most important bills I have passed were with Lindsey, from conservation in Africa to promoting balanced American engagement with fragile states. I will miss having him as a partner in the Senate.

Of my colleagues, few have been able to frustrate and anger, amuse and engage me in a single conversation the way Lindsey could. I will deeply miss his humor, his global view, and his tireless optimism. Annie and I are keeping his family, including his beloved sister Darline, in our prayers.

GOP senator Roger Wicker, of Mississippi, shared this tribute:

There are no words to describe Lindsey Graham, my friend of more than three decades. There are no words to describe his impact on the foreign and domestic policy of the United States. Lindsey served his beloved country in uniform and in the House and Senate. He stood solidly for freedom and strength and he fought for liberty across the globe. Lindsey Graham can be succeeded in office but he cannot be replaced.

Sharing his tribute on X, US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz recalled meeting Lindsey Graham when the late senator was a colonel in the Air National Guard.

He insisted on spending his 3 weeks annual training in Afghanistan training Afghan Army JAG officers.

From Libya to Lebanon, no member of Congress traveled more to appreciate both the troops and bring ground truth back to legislating.

Most of all, he talked about helping the people of South Carolina and that our freedoms must be defended by projecting strength. Rest easy, Patriot.

US ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said he was “still processing” Graham’s death and “reflecting on his life of service, his great sense of humor, and his love of Israel & the Jewish people.”

He was here in Israel often. He understood the importance of the US/Israel partnership. He will be sorely missed.

Treasury secretary Scott Bessent echoed that Graham “was a great American and Patriot”.

He was a dedicated public servant who never stopped fighting for the Palmetto State and all Americans.

As a Senator he worked tirelessly for our country. It was an honor to call him my friend. And work with him to advance President Trump’s agenda at home and on the international stage.

Lindsey was a one-of-a-kind politician who could speak at length on both global defense policy and South Carolina kitchen table issues. He will be missed across our state, country and the entire globe.

My prayers are with his sister and extended family during this difficult time.

Acting attorney general Todd Blanche called Lindsey Graham “an American patriot who loved our country”. He wrote on X:

He was a friend whose advice and humor was always appreciated. This is a devastating loss for America and the people of South Carolina, and our prayers are with his family, friends and Senate colleagues.

Democrat Jeanne Shaheen also called on Congress to pass Lindsey Graham’s Russia sanctions bill, which she said he had described as “one of his most consequential efforts”.

Shaneen, the ranking member on the Senate foreign relations committee, said in a statement:

I am shocked and deeply saddened to learn of my friend senator Lindsey Graham’s sudden passing. Billy and I are keeping his loved ones, constituents and staff close in thought. Lindsey was a tireless advocate for America’s indispensable global role and had a particular focus on supporting Ukraine in the face of Russia’s unprovoked invasion. Just days ago, we were at the Nato summit together, pushing toward this goal. On Friday, Senators Graham, Blumenthal, Wicker and I announced White House support for our Russia sanctions legislation to help finally achieve peace for Ukraine, which Lindsey described as one of his most consequential efforts. There can be no more fitting memorial to Lindsey, his legacy or the causes he fought for than to pass this legislation and realize his long-held dream of an independent and secure Ukraine.

GOP representative Michael McCaul echoed others calling Graham a “giant” in the Senate, and called for Congress to approve fresh sanctions on Russia in his honor.

This is a loss not only for his family and friends like me, but for the entire nation. We shared a similar world view that America is strongest at home when we are strong abroad. We worked together on many foreign policy issues, including the Russian sanctions bill. I am introducing the House version of that bill this week, and Congress should pass it in his honor. Above all, Lindsey was a friend and I will miss him very much.

Wyoming Republican John Barrasso said he was “deeply saddened” by the loss of his “dear friend”. He wrote on X:

My prayers are with his family and all who loved him.

Lindsey represented South Carolina and America with pride and determination. He guided the Senate through our toughest battles while Chairman of both the Judiciary Committee and the Budget Committee. He carried the day with his mission clarity and steadfast leadership.

All of us in the Senate will miss his quick wit and infectious laughter. The Senate will never again see anyone quite like Senator Lindsey Graham.

Republican senator Tom Cotton, of Arkansas, called Lindsey Graham “an American original”.

A truly self-made man, he lost his parents at an early age and cared for his younger sister. That same sense of responsibility and duty took him into the Air Force and the Congress. Lindsey was a great champion for our military, our troops, and our national security. A lover of liberty and a true patriot, Lindsey never stopped working on behalf of South Carolina and America. His premature death is a tragedy for all those who knew him. Anna and I join all Arkansans in extending our deepest condolences to Lindsey’s family and friends.

GOP senator Lisa Murkowski, of Alaska, wrote on X:

Lindsey and I came into the Senate at the same time over two decades ago. Throughout that time he has been my friend and a true leader for our country. It is hard to convey the loss that I feel knowing that we will no longer have his leadership in the Senate. Verne and I send our prayers to his family and all those who knew and loved him.

Texas Republican senator Ted Cruz called Graham “a fearless patriot, a devoted public servant, and one of the fiercest advocates for America’s national security”.

He loved this country deeply, and he dedicated his life to defending it. For years, I had the privilege of serving alongside Lindsey in the Senate. We fought shoulder to shoulder for conservative judges, stood together with our allies, and never wavered in confronting America’s adversaries.

Heidi’s and my prayers are with his family, his devoted staff, and the people of South Carolina. His friendship, his sparkling humor, and his unwavering commitment to our nation will be deeply missed.

May God grant him eternal rest.

Senate majority leader John Thune paid tribute this morning to his Graham’s legacy, calling him a “strong ally to freedom-loving countries across the globe”.

My heart is heavy this morning to learn of the passing of my friend and colleague, Senator Lindsey Graham.

Lindsey’s long and dedicated service in the Air Force and in Congress carried him to far-flung regions of the world. He was a strong advocate for the United States and a strong ally to freedom-loving countries across the globe. He believed in the might of America to achieve good in the world and dedicated his life to advancing that cause.

As South Carolina’s senior senator, Lindsey fought passionately for the Palmetto State. He was a trusted adviser and colleague to me and many others, and numerous presidents and heads of state have relied on his counsel. His influence on the federal judiciary, our national defense, and his beloved South Carolina will be felt for generations.

Kimberley and I pray for Lindsey’s friends and family, and we send our heartfelt condolences during this most difficult time.

South Carolina Democrat James Clyburn characterized his political relationship with Lindsey Graham as “sometimes partisan and passionate, but always pleasant and productive on behalf of the people of South Carolina.”

Sending his condolences to Graham’s sister and family, Clyburn added:

For more than three decades, we served the people of the Palmetto state together in Congress. Throughout that time, we maintained a relationship grounded in mutual respect, even when our political differences were significant. His commitment to public service and the people he represented will remain an enduring part of his legacy.

Republican representative Ralph Norman paid tribute to Graham, writing on Facebook that their state of South Carolina had “lost a devoted public servant”.

“Senator Lindsey Graham dedicated his life to serving our state and our country. His passing is a tremendous loss,” he said. “Elaine and I are praying for his family, his staff, and the countless friends whose lives he touched. May God grant them peace and strength in the days ahead.”

Fellow South Carolina GOP representative Joe Wilson wrote that he was “shocked and saddened” to hear of Graham’s death.

“Having served as a South Carolina state representative, US Representative, US Senator, and as a decorated veteran of the US Air Force, Lindsey proudly served the people of the Palmetto State and America. He will always be cherished as a Patriot, tireless for Peace Through Strength, successfully defeating totalitarians,” Wilson wrote. “All three generations of the Wilson family extend deepest sympathy and appreciation for his dedicated service and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. The country has lost a beloved leader — and I have lost a respected colleague and friend. Lindsey will be missed.”

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt joined others in saying, “America has lost a statesman.”

“President Trump and the White House have lost a friend,” she wrote on X. “Rest in Peace, Senator Graham.”

GOP representative Nancy Mace has also paid tribute to Graham, whom she called a “giant” for their state of South Carolina.

She wrote on X:

South Carolina lost a giant last night. For more than three decades, Lindsey Graham gave everything he had to this state and this country, from the Air Force to the United States Senate.

We did not always agree, but no one ever questioned his love for South Carolina or the fight he brought to every room he walked into.

Please join me in praying for his family and for all who called him a friend. Rest easy, Senator.

Annie Andrews, the Democratic nominee in South Carolina’s Senate race, also paid tribute to Graham for his public service. She wrote on X:

I hope that South Carolinians will join me in setting partisanship aside and offering gratitude to Senator Lindsey Graham for his service to the great state of South Carolina.

Fellow South Carolina Republican Tim Scott paid tribute to Graham this morning, calling him a “true statesman”.

“America’s lost a true statesman. We don’t have many left, but he was a true statesman,” Scott told CNN’s State of the Union, “but I’ve lost a friend.”

Scott, South Carolina’s first black senator and the first black senator from a southern state since the reconstruction era, also recalled being welcomed “with open arms” by Graham when he took office in 2013.

He knew that my path was different. He understood the power of change in South Carolina and how much our state had changed, but he was one of the first folks in the Senate to welcome me in with open arms.

Under South Carolina state law, governor Henry McMaster may appoint a temporary replacement to fill Graham’s now-vacant seat. As Graham was up for re-election this year and won the GOP primary last month, there is also now a vacancy in the Republican nomination for his seat.

After McMaster appoints a replacement, state law requires a special primary for voters to select a new nominee within weeks of a vacancy. The general election winner will take office in January, beginning a full six-year term.

McMaster’s office did not immediately return messages from the Associated Press seeking comment on who would take Graham’s seat or when the machinations for the primary would begin. State party officials said early on Sunday that they would release more information when they could.

McMaster said in a statement that Graham was “irreplaceable”.

“The fiercest of fighters for South Carolina and America — and a loyal and steadfast friend,” McMaster said. He added: “We shall not see his likes again.”

The White House flags have been lowered to half-staff this morning after Graham’s death, in accordance with federal law.

Lindsey Graham had been scheduled to make his 64th appearance on NBC’s Meet The Press this morning.

The host, Kristen Welker, expressed her condolences to his family and colleagues and said, “President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will join us this morning to reflect on his life and legacy”.

For some of Trump’s comments see my last post, I’ll bring you more along with lines from Netanyahu’s interview shortly.

The statement issued by Lindsey Graham’s office said only that the senator had “passed away from a brief and sudden illness”. It gave no further details.

Citing police scanner audio, the Washington Post (paywall) reports that emergency medical services had received a call at about 8.30pm on Saturday for a person suffering chest pains at Graham’s home on Capitol Hill. About 25 minutes later, according to the Post, emergency personnel said CPR was in progress and a man was suffering cardiac arrest.