US senator and Trump ally Lindsey Graham dies age 71

Prominent US Senator Lindsey Graham, a key ally of President Donald Trump, died yesterday aged 71 following a "brief and sudden illness," his office said.

"On the evening of Saturday, July 11, US Senator Lindsey Graham passed away from a brief and sudden illness," the Republican senator from South Carolina's office said in a statement on his official X account.

"Senator Graham's family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period."

Mr Trump paid tribute to Senator Graham, calling him "one of the greatest people" in a post on Truth Social.

"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!!!" Mr Trump said.

Mr Trump said Mr Graham was "like a member of the family. It's very tough".

The president said Mr Graham called him on Saturday night after returning from a trip to Ukraine.

"He sounded a little bit tired, but perfect," Mr Trump told NBC’s Meet The Press.

Mr Graham was first elected to the US House of Representatives in 1994, before being elected to the Senate in 2002.

He was later re-elected to the Senate in 2008, 2014 and 2020 and most recently served as chairman of the Senate Budget Committee.

As chairman of the Senate budget committee, Mr Graham had a central role during Mr Trump's second term as Republicans pushed major legislation on party-line votes while holding a narrow 53-47 majority in the chamber.

Under South Carolina law, Republican Governor of South Carolina Henry McMaster will appoint a temporary replacement for Mr Graham, who was seeking a fifth term in November.

Mr McMaster described Mr Graham as "irreplaceable" in a post on X.

"The fiercest of fighters for South Carolina and America - and a loyal and steadfast friend," McMaster said.

Senator Graham was also a strong supporter of Israel and a hawkish backer of the Iran war.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog said the news of Mr Graham's death left him "shocked and heartbroken."

"Senator Graham was a beacon of moral clarity and a true leader of the US-Israel partnership," he said in a post on X.

"We will never forget how he stood by the people of Israel in our most difficult moments, and we will remain eternally grateful for his sense of justice, truth, and loyalty," Mr Herzog said.

"The people of Israel mourn his loss, and I will miss my great friend very dearly."

Additional reporting PA