With a key foreign policy hawk gone, what is the future for America's support of its international allies?

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America is likely to keep backing key allies, but support will become more selective, more transactional, and more dependent on burden-sharing after Lindsey Graham’s death. Graham was one of the Senate’s most persistent advocates for NATO, Ukraine, Israel and a hard line on Iran. He also had unusual influence with President Donald Trump, often pressing for sanctions on Russia and continued support for partners abroad. His death removes a senior Republican voice who consistently argued that U.S. power and alliances are central to deterrence. That does not mean U.S. alliances disappear. Support for NATO remains deeply embedded in U.S. security policy, and Congress has often shown bipartisan willingness to fund frontline partners. Public polling has also continued to show broad support for alliances when they are framed as protecting U.S. security and prosperity. The bigger change is in how support is likely to be delivered. Under the current political climate, allies are being pushed to contribute more to their own defense, and U.S. aid is facing tougher scrutiny over cost, effectiveness and direct national interest. Europe is already moving in that direction by increasing defense spending and taking on a larger share of support for Ukraine. For Ukraine, Graham’s absence is especially significant because he was among its strongest champions in Washington. Future U.S. backing is likely to continue, but with greater pressure on European governments to lead. For Israel and other …

Joy Reid Mocks 71-Year-Old Lindsey Graham's Death, Rejects Media Eulogies

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Joy Reid Mocks 71-Year-Old Lindsey Graham's Death, Rejects Media Eulogies

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