Vice President JD Vance delivered a tribute to the late Senator Lindsey Graham during a memorial service at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda on Tuesday [1].

The event marked the departure of a significant influence on U.S. foreign policy and national security. Graham served as a key ally to multiple administrations and maintained a high-profile presence in Washington for decades [1].

Graham died at the age of 71 [1]. The service on July 28, 2026, brought together lawmakers and officials to honor his legacy in public service [2].

During the proceedings, Vance offered a tribute to the former senator. He spoke of his personal relationship with Graham, saying, "I couldn't help but like him" [3].

While some observers described the eulogy as a heartfelt tribute [1], other reports suggested the Vice President focused on his own experiences during the address [4]. The gathering served as a formal recognition of Graham's role as a bridge between different factions of the Republican party, and his advocacy for international alliances.

Lawmakers gathered in the Rotunda to reflect on Graham's career, which was characterized by his approach to national security and his close ties to the executive branch [1]. The ceremony emphasized the void left in the Senate by the loss of a veteran legislator who navigated complex geopolitical landscapes throughout his tenure [1].

“"I couldn't help but like him."”

The death of Senator Graham removes a primary architect of the U.S. hawk-interventionist foreign policy wing. His absence creates a vacuum in the Republican party's approach to national security, particularly regarding the balance between traditional alliances and the 'America First' doctrine championed by current leadership.