Former Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) received a solemn farewell on Wednesday through two memorial services that drew a bipartisan mix of current and former officials, including President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. The events underscored Graham's unusual journey from a 2016 presidential rival of Trump to one of his most loyal Senate allies, as well as his ability to maintain friendships across the aisle.
At the Washington National Cathedral service, Trump reflected on his early rivalry with Graham during the 2016 Republican primaries, recalling how he once publicly released Graham's cellphone number after a political jab. 'His phone totally, I don't know what he did with it, but it exploded,' Trump said, drawing laughter. That incident, Trump noted, 'was the beginning of a friendship, in a way,' adding that Graham 'did not stop calling me for the next 10 years.'
The president's remarks highlighted Graham's transformation from a critic to a key supporter, a shift that mirrored the broader realignment within the GOP. 'He was a force of nature, and I will miss him greatly,' Trump said, a sentiment echoed by many who had worked with Graham over his decades in the Senate.
Capitol Rotunda Service Draws Bipartisan Crowd
Earlier in the day, a service at the Capitol Rotunda honored Graham, drawing Senate leaders from both parties, including Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.). Vice President Vance, in his remarks, focused on Graham's fiery defense of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh during the 2018 confirmation hearings. 'What he saw happening to Kavanaugh was not a policy disagreement, it was character assassination,' Vance said, crediting Graham with saving the nomination.
The bipartisan nature of the farewell was evident as Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) embraced former Senator Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) in the line to pay respects, and Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) saluted Graham's casket. Many lawmakers and family members placed a hand on the casket before leaving, with several visibly moved to tears. An Army Band brass quintet and Air Force choir performed hymns and patriotic songs throughout the service.
Graham's death on July 11 prompted an outpouring of tributes from colleagues who noted his Southern charm and deal-making ability, even as they acknowledged deep policy differences. Democrats often clashed with Graham on issues ranging from abortion to foreign policy, but personal respect remained strong.
Global Leaders and Media Figures Pay Tribute
The National Cathedral service drew a politically charged audience that included Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, reflecting Graham's staunch support for both nations. Fox News host Sean Hannity delivered a eulogy, pushing back against critics who labeled Graham a 'warmonger.' 'He was often unfairly characterized as a warmonger. I've heard that false criticism a lot. It's not true,' Hannity said, recalling Graham's push for 'lasting peace in the Middle East.'
Evangelist Franklin Graham and anti-abortion activist Marjorie Dannenfelser offered readings, while Graham's niece, Emilie Boggs Roberts, shared a personal anecdote about revealing her second pregnancy on the evening of his death. 'I have no doubt he knows and is thrilled,' she said.
Among the Trump administration officials present were Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, Small Business Administration chief Kelly Loeffler, Energy Secretary Chris Wright, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, OMB Director Russ Vought, acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, and U.N. Ambassador Mike Waltz. Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) also attended, along with a host of current and former lawmakers.
Speakers at both services highlighted Graham's sense of humor and his ability to forge bipartisan relationships, a legacy that Trump acknowledged with a characteristic quip. 'No matter how heated things got in Washington, virtually everyone, Republican or Democrat, liked Lindsey,' the president said, before adding, 'Well not everybody, but it sounds good.'
