After Lindsey Graham's death, MAGA floats Russia-Iran assassination theories

The sudden death of US Senator Lindsey Graham, one of Donald Trump's closest allies, has sent shockwaves through the President's political base, with several prominent MAGA figures publicly questioning the timing.

Often described as a "Trump whisperer" for his influence with the US President, Graham served as a crucial link between the White House and the Senate, frequently carrying Trump's legislative priorities and political demands to Capitol Hill.

For many in India, however, Graham was best known for his repeated warnings to New Delhi. He had threatened 500% tariffs and other economic measures over India's purchase of Russian oil, accusing it of helping finance what he called Vladimir Putin's war machine.

News of his death quickly triggered a wave of speculation online, with conspiracy theories flooding social media. At the same time, several MAGA figures questioned the timing of his death, pointing out that it came soon after Graham's visit to Ukraine, where he had renewed his call for tougher sanctions on Russian oil and gas exports.

The 71-year-old Graham died on July 11 after what his office called a “brief and sudden illness.” Emergency personnel were said to have responded to a cardiac arrest call at his Washington, DC, home on Saturday evening, hours after he returned from a trip to Ukraine and reportedly experienced chest pain.

Tributes followed quickly from across the Republican Party, led by Trump. “Senator Lindsey Graham, one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known, is dead!” Trump said. He added: “He was always working, and was a true American Patriot. Lindsey will be greatly missed!!! DETAILS AND ARRANGEMENTS TO FOLLOW. So sad! President DONALD J. TRUMP.”

However, speculation that Graham may have been killed by Russia or Iran quickly began circulating online, fuelled by his recent visit to Ukraine and a death threat recently issued against him by Iran.

The rumours gained further traction after Iranian media declared, "I congratulate the Iranian nation on warmongering anti-Iran US Senator Lindsey Graham being sent to hell."

They intensified further after FBI Director Kash Patel said the agency "is assisting local authorities and has made every necessary resource available."

American far-right activist Laura Loomer, who had previously clashed with Lindsey Graham over his support for Trump's military action against Iran, pointed to remarks by Alexander Dugin, widely described as Russian President Vladimir Putin's chief ideologue, who had earlier called for the senator to be killed.

“Yesterday, Lindsey Graham was in Ukraine...and called for more sanctions against Russia and pledged more US support for Ukraine,” she wrote on X. “One day later, Lindsey Graham is dead. There needs to be an investigation!”

MAGA podcaster Clint Russell told his followers on X to “get your tinfoil ready.” He wrote: “Graham inspected a drone factory in Ukraine yesterday. Russia blew up that facility today.” He added: “Then, tonight, it is announced that Graham is dead from a ‘sudden illness’.”

Russell also wrote: “No more details. I’d say there is a decent chance that Russia blew up Lindsey Graham.”

Former Fox News producer Kylie Jane Kremer suggested that Iran could have been involved, referring to threats from the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps. “The IRGC threatened to kill Senator Lindsey Graham just five days ago. There needs to be a full investigation into his death,” she wrote.

No evidence was presented to support those claims, and authorities had not indicated any foul play. The reports also noted that Graham had a family history of heart disease. His father died of a heart attack at the age of 69, when Graham was 22.

Graham had marked his 71st birthday on Thursday, and on Friday he was in Ukraine, a country he had frequently visited and long backed in its war against Russian aggression. Images from the trip showed him with President Volodymyr Zelensky, visiting defence manufacturing sites and meeting Ukrainian officials.

The reaction from MAGA circles was notable because Graham’s standing within the movement had often been complicated. He had become a flashpoint in foreign policy, regularly clashing with America First isolationists over military aid to Ukraine and his calls for forceful action against Iran.

Only months earlier, critics, including Megyn Kelly, had described him as a “warmonger”, while Loomer had repeatedly questioned his loyalty to Trump after Graham criticised her influence within the president’s circle.

Even so, Trump’s repeated backing had secured Graham’s place within the president’s political orbit despite long-running criticism from grassroots MAGA conservatives over his interventionist foreign policy and support for military action overseas.

Earlier this year, Trump fully endorsed Graham’s re-election bid, helping to blunt a primary challenge from Project 2025 architect Paul Dans, whose campaign later collapsed.

The reported death leaves Republicans mourning one of the Senate’s most influential figures and opens an immediate political vacancy in South Carolina, while also depriving Trump of one of his most trusted allies on Capitol Hill at a critical point for his administration.

Senator Mike Lee of Utah wrote: “My heart is heavy upon learning of the passing of my friend and colleague, South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham.” He added: “I loved serving with Lindsey and will miss his infectious laugh, quick wit, and enthusiasm for life.”

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster said he was “heartbroken” by Graham’s death and praised his decades of public service. Under South Carolina law, McMaster is expected to appoint an interim replacement to the Senate seat until a special election is held.

The reports prompted both public tributes and online speculation, with supporters and critics alike focusing on Graham’s final trip to Ukraine, his divisive foreign policy positions and the political impact his reported death would have on both South Carolina and Trump’s inner circle.

- Ends