Trump ally Lindsey Graham passes away at 71

Lindsey Graham, the Republican Senator from South Carolina and an ally of the current president of America, Donald Trump, has passed away at the age of 71 due to a short illness.

According to a statement issued by Graham’s office via social media on Saturday, Graham passed away after suffering from a “sudden and brief illness,” though he did not mention what the cause of the senator’s death was.

“Graham’s family appreciates any prayers at this time and requests privacy during this incredibly difficult time,” said the statement.

Lindsey Graham was elected to serve the U.S. senate since 2002 and was currently serving his fourth term when he died while he was campaigning for reelection. He served the U.S. House of Representatives from 1995 to 2003.

Although Graham contested the Republican Party’s presidential candidacy in 2016 and at first opposed Donald Trump, he soon became Trump’s closest allies.

The South Carolina senator used to provide advice to the president about Iran and Russia on foreign affairs matters.

On Friday, a day prior to his passing, Graham made public his agreement with the Trump administration on proceeding with a set of sanctions against Russia.

As part of his political career, Graham was known for his aggressive stances towards foreign policies.

He was always in favour of imposing more severe restrictions on Iran and in support of curbing its missile and nuclear program.

Graham supported President Trump when he ordered the strike on the nuclear facilities of Iran last year and was a staunch supporter of the administration’s foreign policies in the Middle East.

This news about Graham came against the backdrop of a recent discussion on the issue of health transparency among the American legislators.