Trump delivers emotional eulogy at Washington National Cathedral, celebrating Graham’s legacy as a patriot, leader, and beloved friend.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Former President Donald Trump delivered a poignant eulogy at Washington National Cathedral on Tuesday, honoring the late Sen. Lindsey Graham as a fearless patriot, a legislative force, and a dear friend whose life was defined by unwavering service to America.
Graham, who passed away on July 11 at the age of 71 due to an aortic dissection, was remembered as a man who “died doing the work he was born to do.” His casket had previously lain in state at the U.S. Capitol, with additional funeral services scheduled for Wednesday in Columbia and Pickens County, South Carolina.
“Today, we gather in the deepest gratitude and profound sorrow to honor a beloved friend, a devoted brother, a respected statesman, a giant of the United States Senate, and a true American original who left us much too soon,” Trump said in remarks.
Trump celebrated Graham’s political acumen, stating, “Nothing of consequence happened in this Capitol without Lindsey Graham knowing about it. Nothing of significance happened anywhere in the world without Lindsey Graham having a view on it.” He reflected on Graham’s humble beginnings in rural South Carolina, where his parents ran a bar and pool hall, and his rise to become one of the most influential Republicans in the Senate.
One of Graham’s most personal and cherished roles, Trump noted, was serving as guardian to his younger sister, Darlene, after their parents’ deaths while he was still in college. “He later said that for all his achievements—and he had many—his proudest accomplishment in life was how well Darlene turned out,” Trump shared, adding that Graham would be “beaming with pride” to see his sister, Sen. Darlene Graham Nordone, continuing his legacy of public service.
Trump credited Graham with securing record military funding, advocating for border security, and playing a pivotal role in passing significant legislation, including the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” He also highlighted Graham’s leadership during the contentious Senate confirmation hearings for Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, calling it “perhaps his finest hour.”
Graham’s commitment to American strength was another theme of Trump’s remarks. “He had unwavering faith in the righteousness of American power and prayer,” Trump said. “He was extremely hawkish. I will tell you, he never saw a war that he didn’t like. Only his true friends would understand that. But he wanted it for the good of our country.”
The eulogy was not without humor. Trump recounted their rocky start during the 2016 Republican presidential primary, when he publicly shared Graham’s cellphone number during a speech. “As I made a speech, a very important speech. I remember the number (202) 228-0292. If anybody wants to give it a shot,” Trump joked. “His phone exploded. 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 a 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.”
Trump also shared a lighthearted memory of golfing with Graham, joking about a match where Graham and Annika Sorenstam defeated him and Gary Player. “Can you believe that? Annika played very well that day, actually,” Trump said, drawing laughter. He noted that Graham carried his father’s putter and his mother’s ring with him at all times, symbols of the family that shaped him. “And they were laying right at his bedside the night he died. They were there,” Trump said.
In closing, Trump reflected on Graham’s enduring strength and optimism. “For 71 years, Lindsey Graham was strong and steadfast as a brother, a senator, a warrior, and a patriot,” he said. “And now he wears the crown of life in heaven, reunited with his parents and reunited with his Lord. … Lindsey, we love you. God bless you. We will always be with you.”
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