United States President Donald Trump has ordered American flags to be flown at half-staff nationwide in honour of the late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham.

Trump directed that the flags remain lowered until 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 18, as a mark of respect for the South Carolina senator, who died on Saturday at the age of 71.

In a tribute posted on President Donald Trump’s official Facebook page, Trump described Graham as a close friend and a distinguished public servant who made significant contributions to the United States and his home state of South Carolina.

“In honour of the remarkable life and achievements of Senator Lindsey Graham, a dear friend of mine, and a truly great man, who achieved so much for our country and his beloved home state of South Carolina, I am ordering all American flags throughout the United States lowered to half-mast until Saturday evening at 6 p.m.,” Trump said.

He concluded the tribute with the words: “God bless you, Lindsey.”

Graham died after suffering an aortic dissection, a tear in the main artery carrying blood from the heart, linked to cardiovascular disease, according to a preliminary medical finding released by his office.

The senator represented South Carolina in the US Senate from 2003 until his death and had previously served in the House of Representatives. Once a fierce critic of Trump during the 2016 presidential campaign, Graham later became one of the president’s closest political allies and a prominent voice on foreign policy, national security and judicial appointments.