President Donald Trump on Tuesday delivered a eulogy for the late Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) at Washington National Cathedral, praising the senator's legislative work and their personal bond. Trump called Graham a "giant of the Senate" and a "true American original," marking one of the most personal political tributes of his presidency.
"Today we gather in the deepest gratitude and profoundest sorrow to honor a beloved friend, a devoted brother, a respected statesman, a giant of the United States Senate, and a true American original who left us much too soon," Trump said. He added, "That can be the one and only Lindsey Graham."
The president recounted their early political clashes during the 2016 Republican primary, when both were vying for the nomination. "He was a force of nature, and I will miss him greatly," Trump said. "As you remember, Lindsey and I did not exactly get off to the best of starts, running against each other back in 2016." Trump described an incident where Graham made "something rather nasty" about him, prompting Trump to retaliate by sharing Graham's personal cell phone number with a crowd. "But it was Lindsey who had the last laugh," Trump recalled. "While I blew up his phone for one day, we became great friends, and Lindsey did not stop calling me for the next 10 years."
Trump framed Graham's death as occurring "at the peak of his career, the top of his game as a legend." He noted that Graham "died doing the work he was born to do," emphasizing the senator's dedication to public service. The eulogy also touched on Graham's personal life, including their regular golf games and his deep devotion to his family, particularly his sister, Darline Graham Nordone, who has since taken his seat in the Senate. "He later said that for all his achievements—and he had many—his single proudest accomplishment was how well Darline turned out," Trump said. "Nothing could be more fitting than that woman, who was Lindsey's proudest legacy, now continues his legacy of service in the U.S. Senate."
The service, held at the historic cathedral, also featured eulogies from conservative radio host Sean Hannity and Graham's niece, Emilie Boggs Roberts. The guest list included Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, alongside Trump Cabinet officials, Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, and a bipartisan array of current and former lawmakers. The presence of international leaders underscored Graham's role in foreign policy, particularly his hawkish stance on defense and his close ties with both Israel and Ukraine.
The memorial comes amid ongoing debates over Senate procedures and Trump's political influence. The WSJ editorial board recently criticized Trump's push to eliminate the Senate filibuster, a move Graham had opposed. Graham's legacy also includes his fiery defense of Justice Kavanaugh during confirmation hearings, a moment recalled by Vice President JD Vance at a separate Capitol memorial service. Vance recalled Graham's passionate speech in support of Kavanaugh, which solidified the senator's standing among conservatives.
Trump's eulogy, while personal, also highlighted the broader political landscape. The president's relationship with Graham evolved from rivalry to close alliance, with Graham becoming a key ally on issues ranging from judicial appointments to foreign policy. Their bond, forged in the crucible of the 2016 campaign, demonstrated the fluid nature of political friendships in Washington.
As the nation mourns Graham's passing, his sister Darline now carries forward his legacy in the Senate. The transition has been smooth, with Nordone embracing her role. The Capitol memorial service earlier this week honored Graham's bipartisan ties, reflecting his ability to work across the aisle on key legislation. Graham's death marks the end of an era for South Carolina politics and for the Senate, where his voice on national security and judicial matters will be missed.
