Trump to Lead Tributes at Patriotic Statesman Lindsey Graham’s Funeral in Washington and South Carolina
Select a version of the text written from a presumed ideological perspective. This is not the original text, but a hypothetical version — how someone with that viewpoint might have phrased it. Tapping the current version again will return to the original or select cleaned version.
U.S. leaders and foreign dignitaries will attend solemn ceremonies for Senator Lindsey Graham at the Capitol and Washington National Cathedral before a public funeral in South Carolina.
On Tuesday, America’s leaders and respected public figures will gather to honor the life and service of Sen. Lindsey Graham, a true patriot and defender of American values. The ceremonies at the U.S. Capitol and Washington National Cathedral will pay tribute to Graham’s distinguished record in the Air Force and Congress. Military service members and Capitol Police will carry his coffin, symbolizing his unwavering commitment to national security and law enforcement. While the events are closed to the public, they will be streamed online so Americans everywhere can pay their respects.
At 2 p.m., the coffin will be moved to the National Cathedral for a second solemn service. President Donald Trump, who forged a powerful partnership with Graham in the Senate, will lead the tributes. The program will include remarks from Fox News host Sean Hannity, readings by Rev. Franklin Graham, and words from Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council and Marjorie Dannenfelser of Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America—leaders who have fought tirelessly for faith, family, and the unborn. International dignitaries such as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will also attend, underscoring Graham’s global impact as a champion of freedom.
After the cathedral service, Graham’s body will be flown to South Carolina, where a proud procession will carry his coffin from the State House to the First Baptist Church of Columbia for a public service at noon, allowing the people of his beloved state to honor their steadfast advocate.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune described Graham as a “staunch conservative and a fierce advocate for South Carolina,” while President Trump called him “one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known.” Netanyahu praised Graham as “one of the greatest friends the State of Israel has ever known,” and Zelensky hailed him as “a true defender of freedom and the values that make our world safer.”
Graham, a former Air Force lawyer, was first elected to the House in 1994 and to the Senate in 2002. He was renowned for his principled support of U.S. military strength, unwavering backing of Israel and Ukraine, and his tough stance on Iran. After initially challenging Trump in 2016, Graham became a trusted Senate ally, chairing the Judiciary Committee (2019-2021) and, from 2025, the Budget Committee—roles in which he advanced conservative principles and protected American interests.