Washington, D.C. — President Donald Trump delivered a eulogy for Sen. Lindsey Graham at Washington National Cathedral on Tuesday, as world leaders including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gathered to honor the late South Carolina Republican. The funeral capped a day of ceremonies that began with a Capitol Rotunda service and included separate White House meetings between Trump and the two foreign leaders, underscoring Graham's enduring influence on U.S. foreign policy even in death.

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Sen. Lindsey Graham, the four-term Republican senator from South Carolina known for his hawkish foreign policy and close alliance with President Trump, was remembered in a series of ceremonies in Washington on Tuesday. The day began with a morning arrival ceremony at the U.S. Capitol, where Graham's remains were carried by an Armed Forces Body Bearer team to honor his service in the Air Force, followed by a U.S. Capitol Police memorial guard in recognition of his Senate tenure CBS News. The Capitol Rotunda ceremony was closed to the public, with Vice President JD Vance expected to speak PBS NewsHour.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota announced the special Capitol honor, noting that for many in Congress, Graham was more than a colleague but a friend who dedicated his life to public service CBS News.

The funeral service at Washington National Cathedral began at 2 p.m. EDT, with President Trump delivering a eulogy. Fox News host Sean Hannity and other conservative leaders also spoke PBS NewsHour. The presence of Zelensky and Netanyahu highlighted Graham's role as a leading advocate for U.S. military intervention abroad and his close ties to both leaders The Guardian.

White House Meetings

Before the funeral, President Trump held separate meetings at the White House with Zelensky and Netanyahu The Hill. Zelensky arrived in Washington early Tuesday morning, posting on X that his priorities included anti-ballistic defense and strategic cooperation with America The Hill. The meeting marked the second sit-down between Trump and Zelensky this month, coming after far-right activist Laura Loomer, who has Trump's ear, publicly changed her stance on Russia's war against Ukraine following a visit to the country PBS NewsHour.

Trump's relationship with Zelensky has warmed in recent weeks, with the Ukrainian leader noting over the weekend that his military attacked a Russian ship in the Caspian Sea The Hill. The meeting with Netanyahu also underscored the administration's focus on Middle East tensions, particularly regarding Iran.

Trump's Remarks on Graham

In a Fox News Channel interview on Tuesday, Trump recalled Graham's hawkishness, describing him as someone who liked war and was very strong on the military The Hill. Trump noted that Graham had suggested it was time to make a deal with Iran but made no similar suggestion for the Russia-Ukraine war, adding that Graham was very militant about Ukraine PBS NewsHour.

Graham's Legacy

Graham, who served in the Senate for more than 30 years, was known as an indefatigable dealmaker who played a key role in major bipartisan agreements CBS News. His final act as a public official was a trip to Ukraine, where he visited President Zelensky and secured an agreement on a package of sanctions targeting countries that purchase Russian oil, gas, and other exports PBS NewsHour. He had just returned from a NATO summit in Turkey, where he celebrated his birthday, before his sudden death at his Washington home PBS NewsHour.

Political Context

Graham's funeral drew an extraordinary gathering of world leaders, reflecting his stature on the global stage. His advocacy for a strong U.S. military presence abroad and his close relationships with both Trump and foreign leaders made him a unique figure in American politics. The separate White House meetings with Zelensky and Netanyahu signaled the administration's continued engagement on Ukraine and the Middle East, even as the nation paused to honor a senator who shaped much of its foreign policy approach.

What Officials Are Saying

Senate Majority Leader John Thune described Graham as a friend and a dedicated public servant, noting that the Capitol Rotunda ceremony was a fitting tribute CBS News. Vice President JD Vance was expected to speak at the Rotunda service PBS NewsHour. Trump's eulogy at the cathedral highlighted Graham's influence and their personal bond, despite their initial rivalry during the 2016 presidential campaign.

Timeline

  • July 11, 2026: Sen. Lindsey Graham dies suddenly at his Washington home from an aortic dissection CBS News.
  • Late July 2026: Graham's remains lie in honor at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda with a closed ceremony CBS News.
  • July 28, 2026 (morning): Trump meets separately with Zelensky and Netanyahu at the White House The Hill.
  • July 28, 2026 (2 p.m.): Funeral service at Washington National Cathedral with Trump eulogy PBS NewsHour.
  • July 29, 2026: Procession at South Carolina State House and burial in South Carolina CBS News.

Frequently Asked Questions

What caused Sen. Lindsey Graham's death?

A medical examiner determined the cause was an aortic dissection due to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease CBS News.

Who delivered the eulogy at Graham's funeral?

President Donald Trump delivered the eulogy at Washington National Cathedral PBS NewsHour.

Why did Zelensky and Netanyahu attend?

Both leaders had close working relationships with Graham, who was a strong advocate for U.S. support to Ukraine and Israel. Graham's final trip was to Ukraine, where he secured sanctions against Russian energy exports PBS NewsHour.

What happened at the White House meetings?

Trump met separately with Zelensky and Netanyahu before the funeral, discussing defense cooperation and strategic issues The Hill.

When and where will Graham be buried?

Burial will take place in South Carolina on Wednesday, July 29, following a procession at the South Carolina State House CBS News.

What Happens Next

Graham's remains will be transported to South Carolina on Wednesday for a procession at the State House and burial. The funeral in Washington, attended by world leaders and capped by Trump's eulogy, underscored Graham's lasting impact on U.S. foreign policy and his unique role as a bridge between the Trump administration and international allies. The separate White House meetings with Zelensky and Netanyahu signal continued U.S. engagement on Ukraine and the Middle East, issues that Graham championed throughout his career. As the nation mourns, Graham's legacy as a hawkish dealmaker and close Trump ally will continue to shape political discourse.