Trump ally Lindsey Graham dies after sudden illness

According to the statement published on social media, Graham faced a “brief and sudden illness”. No other details about the health problem were released.

“The family appreciates your prayers but asks for privacy at this incredibly difficult time,” the office said.

Emergency crews were called to the senator's Capitol Hill residence after a cardiac arrest, according to police communications obtained by NBC News.

Representative of South Carolina in the Senate since 2003, Graham was in his fourth term and was preparing to run for re-election in November. He chaired the Senate Budget Committee and was one of the Republican Party's best-known figures in Congress.

The parliamentarian also had a strong influence on debates on defense and foreign policy. Graham defended the United States' military presence abroad and was one of Israel's main supporters in the Senate.

During the 2016 presidential elections, the Republican even harshly criticized Trump. Later, however, he became closer to the president and became one of his most faithful allies in Congress.

In March of this year, Graham compared Trump to former president Ronald Reagan when praising his international performance.

“I am a great admirer of Ronald Reagan, but I have to say that Donald Trump is the standard of excellence for Republicans, perhaps for any president, when it comes to foreign policy,” he declared at the time.

Just weeks before the senator's death, Trump had announced support for his campaign for a fifth term. November's legislative elections will renew all seats in the House of Representatives and a third of the Senate, with the potential to alter the balance of political forces in Washington.

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