U.S. leaders honor late Sen. Lindsey Graham at Washington services
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President Trump, members of Congress, and foreign dignitaries attended tributes to Sen. Lindsey Graham at the National Cathedral and the Capitol, highlighting his role in foreign policy and Senate leadership.
President Donald Trump praised the late South Carolina senator at a service in Washington’s National Cathedral, calling him a “legend” and a “giant of the U.S. Senate.” He recalled sharing Graham’s personal phone number during the 2016 primary campaign and noted that the two later became close friends. Trump also highlighted Graham’s support for his tax and spending legislation and his advocacy for a sanctions package aimed at Russia’s war in Ukraine, which the Senate plans to vote on after the services.
Dozens of lawmakers, cabinet members and Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh attended the ceremony. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy were also present, reflecting Graham’s long-standing support for both nations. Emillie Boggs Roberts, the senator’s niece, spoke about his dedication to family, noting his role caring for his sister after their parents’ deaths.
Earlier that day, a flag-draped coffin lay in the Capitol Rotunda. Senate Majority Leader John Thune described Graham as a “powerful voice” in the chamber, citing his work on judicial confirmations, Ukraine aid and anti-abortion legislation. Vice President J.D. Vance said it was “impossible not to like” Graham, recalling a heated debate over Ukraine funding that ended in compromise. New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte recalled Graham’s ability to build personal relationships across partisan lines and his long military service as an Air Force judge advocate.
Graham’s remains will be returned to South Carolina for a funeral at the First Baptist Church in Columbia, where his sister Darline Graham, appointed to finish his Senate term, will attend.