Fetterman mourns loss of Lindsey Graham after senator's sudden death
In the wake of Lindsey Graham's death, fellow U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pennsylvania, joined numerous politicians from both sides of the aisle in fondly remembering the U.S. senator from South Carolina.
Early in the morning on July 12, 2026, Graham's office said in a statement that he had died the previous evening from a tear in his main artery caused by hardened arteries. He was 71.
Graham was a staunch ally of President Donald Trump and became one of Washington's most influential Republicans, championing foreign American military power and playing a key role as conservatives reshaped the federal judiciary.
This is what Fetterman said in the wake of his death.
Sen. John Fetterman issues statement on Lindsey Graham's death
Fetterman took to X on July 12 just after 7:45 a.m. to issue a statement on Graham's death.
"Sudden and awful news about Senator Lindsey Graham," Fetterman said. "The United States Senate lost a foreign policy giant. On a personal level, he had always been kind, gracious, and thoughtful. Gisele and I extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and staff."
Trump, Biden, global politicians react to Lindsey Graham's death
Immediately following the announcement of Graham's death, leaders from around the globe expressed their shock at the news and remembered Graham fondly.
Trump told Reuters he spoke to Graham minutes before Graham because ill. He ordered flags to be lowered in Graham's honor.
"There are these rumors (of foul play)," Trump said. "But, no, I believe he had a very short-term illness. He was a friend of mine, a great friend of mine, and it's very devastating losing him."
Former President Joe Biden said in a statement that he and former first lady Jill Biden were "shocked by the sudden passing."
"Lindsey and I served together in Congress for over a decade, and worked closely on many issues throughout the years," Biden said. "We traveled the world together as members of the Senate Foreign Relations committee. We disagreed often, and sometimes loudly."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement that Israel had "lost one of its greatest friends."
"America has lost a great patriot," Netanyahu said. "I have lost a beloved friend."
Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky, called Graham a "good friend and a great American" in a statement shared by his office.
"I was shocked and saddened by his passing," said McConnell, who on the same day shared an update on his health after weeks of public discourse regarding his hospitalization. "His constituents and colleagues have counted on his straight talk, conviction, and boundless appetite for a worthy fight. The Senate will miss him, and Elaine and I are keeping his family in our prayers."
What was Lindsey Graham's cause of death?
Graham died of an aortic dissection, according to a preliminary medical examiner's report.
An aortic dissection happens when the inner lining of the body's main artery tears and blood leaks out, according to the Mayo Clinic. The condition can cause complications like strokes, organ damage and poor blood flow, and 40% of people with sudden onset aortic dissection "die immediately from complete rupture and bleeding out from their aorta," according to the Cleveland Clinic. Symptoms can occur rapidly and without warning.
Graham's office said his death followed a "brief and sudden illness." Emergency personnel said they were conducting CPR on a man experiencing cardiac arrest at Graham's home in Washington on July 11 evening, according to public safety radio feeds reviewed by USA TODAY.
Kim Hjelmgaard, Christopher Cann, Sarah Moniuszko, Janet Loehrke, James Powel, Xachary Schermele, Jay Stahl, Joey Garrison and Thao Nguyen contributed to this article.
Finch Walker is the Pittsburgh Connect Reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Contact Walker at FWalker@usatodayco.com. Instagram: @finchwalker_. X: @_finchwalker.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fetterman mourns loss of Lindsey Graham after senator's sudden death
Reporting by Finch Walker, USA TODAY NETWORK / USA TODAY
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
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This story was originally published July 13, 2026 at 1:06 PM.