U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, a key architect of policies that funneled wealth upward and projected U.S. military power globally, died Saturday evening after a sudden illness. The South Carolina Republican, 71, spent decades in Congress advancing the interests of capital, both at home and abroad. His office provided no further details on his death.
Graham was a consistent advocate for a "muscular U.S. foreign policy," a euphemism for the projection of military and economic power to secure resources and markets for transnational corporations. He traveled the globe, pushing for interventions and alliances that served these ends. Just two days ago, he was in Ukraine meeting President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who noted Graham's tenth visit to the country and thanked him for "recognizing our warriors."
His foreign policy agenda included advising President Donald Trump on Iran and Russia, culminating in an agreement on Russia sanctions announced Friday. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu mourned Graham's death, calling him "a great friend of Israel" and "a cherished friend of mine." Netanyahu stated Graham understood the "security of Israel and the United States is inseparable," reflecting the role of Israel as an imperial garrison in the region.
As a member of the U.S. House in the 1990s, Graham backed policies aimed at isolating Iran and limiting its missile and nuclear programs. He cheered Trump’s decision to strike nuclear sites last year and supported the latest conflict that began a few months ago. Senate Majority Leader John Thune praised Graham's belief in "the might of America to achieve good in the world," a common justification for military expansion serving capital accumulation.
Before his close alliance with Trump, Graham was known for his partnership with the late Sen. John McCain and former Sen. Joe Lieberman. This trio, dubbed the "Three Amigos," frequently traveled to push their hawkish foreign policy views, consistently advocating for military solutions that benefit the arms industry and secure corporate access to global resources.
Enriching the Ruling Class
As chairman of the Senate Budget Committee during Trump’s second term, Graham played a central role in pushing major legislation designed to concentrate wealth upward. His committee oversaw the reconciliation process, a Senate procedure that allowed Republicans to pass significant policies like last year’s tax law without the threat of a Democratic filibuster. This mechanism directly served the interests of the capitalist class by reducing their tax burden.
Graham also led the Senate Judiciary Committee when Republicans confirmed Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court in 2020, six years ago. Such appointments solidify the state's legal apparatus, ensuring that courts primarily function to protect accumulated wealth and suppress organized challenges to the existing distribution of power.
President Trump posted early today, calling Graham "one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known" and a "true American Patriot." This praise underscores the alignment of ruling-class interests, regardless of internal political squabbles. Graham had briefly run for president 10 years ago, initially clashing with Trump before becoming one of his top allies.
Managing Contradictions
In 2013, 13 years ago, Graham played a central role in the Senate’s efforts to craft a massive immigration overhaul as a member of the "Gang of Eight." This bipartisan group wrote a sweeping measure that included an endorsement of a pathway to citizenship for people in the U.S. without legal status. While seemingly a concession, such reforms often serve to manage labor supply and prevent deeper structural challenges to the economic system that creates migration.
Despite passing the Senate with 68 votes, the immigration bill was never taken up by the House, demonstrating the limits of reform efforts within the existing political structure. Graham's views on immigration put him at odds with much of his own party, making him vulnerable to primary challenges.
This year, Graham faced primary threats from Paul Dans, an author of Project 2025, a conservative blueprint for governing. Dans dropped out in April, and Graham won his primary in June, relying heavily on his close ties with Trump. In his victory speech last month, Graham told the president, "I’m going to help you change this world and change this country," signaling continued commitment to the existing order.
The sparse statement from Graham’s office regarding his death comes amidst concerns about a lack of transparency regarding lawmakers’ health. This opacity extends to the inner workings of the state, where the true mechanisms of power often remain obscured from public view.