WASHINGTON D.C July 12, 2026 — President Donald Trump ordered all American flags across the United States lowered to half-staff on Sunday in tribute to Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), who died late Saturday night at age 71 following a brief and sudden illness.
In a statement posted on Truth Social, Trump described Graham as “a dear friend of mine, and a truly great man, who achieved so much for our Country, and his beloved Home State of South Carolina.”
“In honor of the remarkable life and achievements of Senator Lindsey Graham… I am ordering all American Flags throughout the United States lowered to Half Mast until Saturday evening at 6 P.M. GOD BLESS YOU LINDSEY!” the president wrote.
The White House rapid response account shared an image of Trump’s statement on X (formerly Twitter), where it quickly gained significant engagement.
Graham’s office confirmed early Sunday that the senator passed away Saturday night, July 11, 2026, from a “brief and sudden illness.” A preliminary medical examiner’s report cited aortic dissection caused by arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Graham had returned from a trip to Ukraine on Friday, where he met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Trump noted that he spoke with Graham on Saturday evening, calling it potentially “his last call.”
A longtime senator first elected in 2002, Graham was known as a foreign policy hawk and strong advocate for Ukraine aid and sanctions against Russia and Iran. He had become one of President Trump’s closest allies in the Senate on national security and defense matters after an earlier period of criticism.
Flags at the White House were lowered to half-staff shortly after the announcement. The president’s order applies nationwide until Saturday, July 18, at 6 p.m. ET.
Tributes have come from both parties, world leaders including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, reflecting Graham’s decades-long role in Congress as a member of key committees on appropriations, judiciary, and foreign relations.
Graham’s family has requested privacy and prayers during this difficult time.
The sudden passing comes as Graham was preparing for re-election in November. A special election for his South Carolina seat will be held under state law.
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