President Donald Trump delivered a eulogy at Washington National Cathedral on Tuesday during the funeral service for late Senator Lindsey Graham. The ceremony brought together high profile American officials and foreign dignitaries, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and Israeli Opposition Leader Yair Lapid.
In his address, President Trump blended heartfelt tributes with humorous anecdotes reflecting Graham's distinct political persona. Trump referred to Graham as "one of America's great patriots," while lightheartedly pointing out his hawkish foreign policy record. "He never saw a war he did not like," Trump joked, quickly adding that anyone who knew Graham recognized his sole motivation was serving the best interests of the United States.
Trump recalled the early days of their relationship during the 2016 Republican presidential primaries, when Trump publicly revealed Graham's personal phone number on live television. Trump recounted how Graham's phone immediately exploded with messages, calling it "the start of a friendship." Trump added with a smile that Graham got his revenge by calling him constantly over the following decade.
The eulogy featured several lighthearted stories detailing Graham's exchanges with world figures and colleagues. Trump recalled Graham telling Senator Tim Scott regarding morning prayer breakfasts, "Tim, even if Jesus himself comes back before 10 AM, I am not coming."
Trump also recounted Graham's blunt reactions during international trips, including a meeting with former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi where Graham remarked, "I expected something out of One Thousand and One Nights, but this looks more like a trailer." In another encounter, Graham asked the Dalai Lama directly if he could levitate, a question Trump noted was not particularly appreciated.
Reflecting on Graham's love for golf, Trump recalled that Graham and professional golfer Annika Sorenstam managed to defeat him and Gary Player only once. Closing his address, Trump emphasized that Graham never gave up and was always willing to listen, concluding, "We love you, Lindsey. God bless you. You will always be with us. You are a very special person."
According to statements provided by diplomatic representatives to Reuters, Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Zelenskyy held informal discussions in the cathedral prior to the commencement of the service, highlighting ongoing international dialogue among attending allies.
