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Washington, United States – Media figures and political commentators from across the ideological spectrum reacted sharply on social media to the sudden death of U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., after his office announced late Saturday that the 71-year-old lawmaker had died following a brief and sudden illness. On Sunday, Ana Kasparian, co-host and executive producer of “The Young Turks,” and far-right commentator Nick Fuentes each responded with the identical two-word post, “Good riddance,” on X. “The Young Turks” co-creator Cenk Uygur mocked Graham’s foreign policy record by imagining him in the afterlife lobbying Hades to launch an attack on other gods, while left-wing streamer Hasan Piker responded with “lmao” to a tribute highlighting Graham’s support for Israel. Former MSNBC analyst and Lincoln Project co-founder Steve Schmidt published a Substack essay calling Graham a “lonely and unprincipled man who betrayed his country for power and his decency for attention,” underscoring the intensity of criticism from some media and political voices. Columbia, South Carolina – The harsh responses contrasted with statements of praise and mourning from political allies and international figures following Graham’s death. Former President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social that Graham was “always working,” described him as “a true American Patriot,” and said the senator would be “greatly missed.” Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir called Graham one of Israel’s strongest allies and lauded his commitment to the country’s security. In South Carolina, Sen. Tim Scott said the state had lost a statesman and that Graham, whom he called a friend, always led with “faith, family, and South Carolina first.” Rep. Nancy Mace acknowledged their disagreements but highlighted his decades of military and congressional service and urged people to pray for his family. Graham had represented South Carolina in the Senate since 2003 after four terms in the House, retired from the Air Force as a colonel after 33 years of service, and remained a prominent advocate for a muscular U.S. foreign policy as he sought a fifth Senate term and had recently returned from Ukraine.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.