President Donald Trump paid an emotional tribute to the late Sen. Lindsey Graham on Tuesday, remembering his longtime ally as a towering figure in American politics whose influence stretched far beyond the walls of the U.S. Capitol.
Speaking before family members, lawmakers, military leaders and foreign dignitaries at Washington National Cathedral, Trump described Graham as “a respected statesman, a giant of the United States Senate, and a true American original.” The funeral marked the culmination of a day of tributes honoring the South Carolina Republican, who died unexpectedly on July 11 at the age of 71 after suffering an aortic tear.
Trump reflected on Graham’s more than three decades in Congress, saying few lawmakers had the impact that the South Carolina senator did during his career.
“For more than 30 years, nothing of consequence happened in this capital without Lindsey Graham knowing about it,” Trump said. “No bill became law without Lindsey Graham having a say in it.” He added that Graham “gave America the full measure of his good and mighty heart until that heart itself just gave out.”
The president also acknowledged the unique relationship the two men shared. Although Graham was one of Trump’s fiercest Republican critics during the 2016 presidential campaign, the two later became close political allies and personal friends. Graham emerged as one of Trump’s strongest supporters during both his first and second terms, particularly on judicial appointments, national security, immigration and foreign policy.
“There was truly nobody like Lindsey Graham,” the president said, drawing applause from many in attendance.
Trump also looked back on one of the most memorable moments from the 2016 Republican primary, when he publicly revealed Graham’s personal cellphone number after the senator criticized him during the campaign.
“So naturally, I did something that I shouldn’t have done,” Trump said. “I shared his personal cell phone number with the millions of people that happened to be watching that particular day as I made a speech, a very important speech. And I remember the number — 202-228-0292, if anybody wants to give it a shot. His phone exploded.”
The president said Graham later joked that he had used the same phone number for two decades before Trump made it public.
“He said, ‘I had that number for 20 years.’ His phone totally — I don’t know what he did with it. But it exploded. That was the beginning of friendship in a way. But it was Lindsey who had the last laugh, because while I blew up his phone for one day, we became great friends and Lindsey did not stop calling me for the next 10 years.”
The funeral brought together an extraordinary group of world leaders and American officials, reflecting Graham’s prominent role in international affairs. Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and numerous members of Congress attended the service alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, two foreign leaders Graham had championed throughout his Senate career.
Earlier in the day, Graham’s flag-draped casket lay in honor at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda, where Vice President Vance and Senate Majority Leader John Thune delivered emotional tributes. Vance called Graham an “American original,” while Thune praised his relentless work ethic, humor and willingness to build relationships across party lines. Nearly every sitting senator attended the Capitol ceremony before making their way to the National Cathedral for the funeral.
Graham’s sister, Sen. Darline Graham, who was recently appointed to fill the remainder of his Senate term, sat with family members throughout the service. Trump recognized her during his remarks, calling her part of the senator’s enduring legacy as she prepares to seek a full term in the Senate.
The Washington service is only one part of Graham’s final farewell. Another memorial service is scheduled for Wednesday in South Carolina before he is laid to rest in his home state.
