WASHINGTON (AP)  — US Senator Lindsey Graham, one of President Donald Trump’s closest allies in Congress and a leading supporter of Israel on Capitol Hill who traveled the globe to advocate for a more muscular US foreign policy abroad, died Saturday evening after a “brief and sudden illness,” his office said in a statement posted on social media. He was 71.

His office did not provide any additional details about the South Carolina Republican and said his family “appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period.”

“Senator Lindsey Graham, one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known, is dead!” Trump posted on social media early Sunday morning. “He was always working, and was a true American Patriot. Lindsey will be greatly missed!!! DETAILS AND ARRANGEMENTS TO FOLLOW. So sad!”

Senate Majority Leader John Thune said “my heart is heavy this morning to learn 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,” Thune said. “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.”

Graham was close with Trump

First elected to the US Senate in 2002 after serving in the House of Representatives, Graham briefly ran for president in 2016 and clashed with Trump, criticizing him as “unfit for office.”

However, he later emerged as one of Trump’s top allies, speaking with him frequently and becoming a regular presence on the golf course alongside the president.

Graham especially advised the president on foreign policy matters such as Iran and Russia, and had just announced an agreement on Friday with the Trump administration to move forward on a package of Russia sanctions. The senator had been in Ukraine to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr........

© The Times of Israel