Senator Lindsey Graham has died at 71 from a sudden heart problem, a major shift in US foreign policy since he was one of the most hawkish voices in Washington.

• Graham died Saturday from an aortic dissection after struggling with heart disease, just back from a trip to Ukraine.
• He went from calling Trump a "jackass" in 2016 to becoming one of his closest advisers and golf partners.
• He used that closeness to push Trump toward war with Iran, more weapons for Ukraine, and deep strikes into Russia.
• His death leaves the Republican Senate majority shaky, stalling Trump's agenda since the seat is now empty and margins are razor-thin.
• His South Carolina seat is now up for grabs, with Nikki Haley, Scott Bessent, and Nancy Mace floated as possible replacements.

Outlook: Expect a scramble to fill his seat and fresh doubt over whether Trump can pass major bills with an even thinner Senate margin.