President Donald Trump has paid tribute to the late Senator Lindsey Graham at his funeral service in Washington, describing the South Carolina Republican as a 'tough cookie' who 'never saw a war he didn't like'. During his eulogy, Trump once again shared Graham's phone number with mourners, a gesture that had previously caused controversy when the president disclosed the senator's personal contact details at a public event.
Graham, a close ally of Trump and a prominent voice on foreign policy, died earlier this month at the age of 70. The service, held at the Washington National Cathedral, was attended by hundreds of political figures, including former officials, current lawmakers, and foreign dignitaries. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy both held separate meetings with Trump before the funeral, underscoring Graham's influence on international affairs.
Trump's eulogy focused on Graham's unwavering support for military intervention and his strong stance on national security. 'Lindsey loved this country more than anything,' Trump said. 'He was a warrior for America, and he never backed down.' The president also recalled personal moments, describing Graham as a loyal friend who often gave him unsolicited advice. The sharing of Graham's phone number, which Trump had done previously at a campaign rally, drew mixed reactions from the audience, with some laughing while others appeared uncomfortable.
The funeral service also featured tributes from other lawmakers, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune and former Vice President Mike Pence, who praised Graham's bipartisan efforts on issues such as immigration and judicial confirmations. Graham's casket was draped in the American flag, and a military honour guard stood at attention as the service concluded.
First Lady Melania Trump was notably absent from the funeral, with the White House citing a scheduling conflict. Her absence was remarked upon by several attendees, though no official statement was issued. The president returned to the White House afterwards and resumed his active social media posting, including comments on the meetings with Netanyahu and Zelenskyy.
Graham's death has left a significant void in the Senate, particularly on foreign policy matters. He served as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and was a key figure in the confirmation of Supreme Court justices. His final months in office were marked by his continued advocacy for increased defence spending and support for Israel and Ukraine. The funeral marks the end of a political career that spanned three decades, during which Graham evolved from a vocal critic of Trump to one of his most steadfast allies.
