Politicians, Leaders Pay Tribute to Longtime GOP Senator Orrin Hatch

As news of the death of longtime GOP Senator Orrin G. Hatch of Utah spread Saturday evening, condolences and tributes poured in from across the political world.

Hatch, 88, died at 5:30 p.m. in Salt Lake City surrounded by his family, announced by the Hatch Foundation.

Former President Donald Trump issued a statement extending his condolences, shared by Jenna Ellis on Twitter.

"Orrin was a true warrior for our Country, for liberty, and for his beloved state of Utah," Trump said. "He was as wise as he was kind, and as tough as he was smart–he loved America and his contributions to our Country were tremendous. His legacy will surely live on through the many lives he impacted. May God bless Orrin Hatch."

Former Vice President Mike Pence said he and wife Karen "were saddened" to hear of his death, calling him "a true statesman who represented the best of UT & America. As the longest serving Republican Senator in history, he dedicated decades of his life to public service & we'll always be grateful for his leadership," Pence wrote on Twitter.

U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, of Minnesota, described Hatch as "kind."

"Senator Hatch was kind to me and we worked together well," she wrote on Twitter. "There were a lot of differences including party, height, age...you name it...but somehow we always looked for common ground. Prayers for his family today."

U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa said he was also saddened at the news.

"Sad to learn of the passing of my friend Orrin Hatch /I worked closely w Senator Hatch for 40yrs on the judic cmte +20 yrs on Finance cmte we had a very good friendship he has contributed so much to public policy& for the ppl of Utah Barbara & I send our sympathies to his family."

"His ability to reach across the aisle defined his career and his character," said Jeff Flake, U.S. ambassador to Turkey, on Twitter. "He will be missed."

"One of the first politicians to take time out of their busy schedules to listen to some kid about School Safety... Rest In Peace Orrin Hatch," said school safety advocate JT Lewis on Twitter.

U.S. Congressman Michael Burgess, MD, of Texas, called Hatch "a champion for the American taxpayer" on Twitter.

"I'm saddened to learn of the passing of Senator Orrin Hatch. A champion for the American taxpayer, Senator Hatch fought for fiscal responsibility. My thoughts are with Elaine and their beloved family. #RIP."

The foundation did not provide a cause of death.