Longtime Republican senator Lindsey Graham died suddenly at 71, removing one of Trump's closest allies and a leading war hawk from Washington.

• Graham died Saturday night of cardiac arrest after suffering chest pains at his home; staff said there was no sign he was unwell.
• He had just returned from Ukraine, where he toured drone and defense-tech factories, and was set to appear on TV the next morning.
• A fierce backer of Israel, Ukraine, and military force, he was close to Trump and had just cut a deal on a Russia sanctions bill.
• His death empties a powerful post — Senate budget chairman — key to any future Republican spending push.

Outlook: South Carolina's governor is expected to appoint a temporary replacement, with the seat up for election, and the stalled Russia sanctions bill now loses its main champion.