Key facts
- President Donald Trump delivered a eulogy for Senator Lindsey Graham.
- Trump described Graham as a "giant of the United States Senate" and a "true American original."
- Graham's funeral services included events in Washington, D.C., and South Carolina.
- Graham died suddenly at age 71, with preliminary findings suggesting an aortic tear.
- Graham's sister, Darline Graham, was appointed to fill his Senate seat until January.
President Donald Trump delivered a eulogy for Senator Lindsey Graham, calling him a "giant of the United States Senate" and a "true American original" during services held in Washington, D.C. and South Carolina. Graham, 71, died suddenly on July 11, with preliminary findings indicating an aortic tear. His body was first honored at the U.S. Capitol and Washington National Cathedral before returning to his home state for further services.
In South Carolina, Graham's body was taken to the Statehouse for a law enforcement ceremony and military flyover, followed by a funeral service at First Baptist Church in Columbia. His burial was planned as a private ceremony near his home in Pickens County. Graham began his political career in 1993 and served in the Senate for over 30 years. Following his death, Governor Henry McMaster appointed Graham's sister, Darline Graham, to hold his seat until January, and she has since decided to run for the full term herself.
Trump recounted his relationship with Graham, noting their "rocky" start and the development of a decade-long friendship. He also highlighted Graham's foreign policy stances, including his support for Israel and Ukraine. Attendees at the Washington service included Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.