President Donald Trump called the late Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) a "true American original" during a funeral service in Washington, D.C. [1].
The tribute marks the end of a significant era in U.S. politics, as Graham served as a central figure in the Senate and a close ally to Trump.
Graham died July 11, 2024, at age 71 [2]. His funeral took place Tuesday, July 12, 2024 [3]. The services included a ceremony on Capitol Hill and a formal gathering at the National Cathedral [4].
During the eulogy, Trump emphasized Graham's deep influence within the federal government and his mastery of political dynamics. "Nothing of consequence happened in this capital without Lindsey Graham knowing about it," Trump said [5].
Trump described Graham as a Senate giant and a unique presence in the American political landscape. He spoke of their personal friendship and Graham's decades of public service, noting that the senator possessed a rare ability to navigate the complexities of Washington [6].
At one point during the address, Trump paused his formal remarks. "I have to veer from this for a second," Trump said [7].
The event drew a wide array of political figures to the National Cathedral to honor the man who had become a staple of the U.S. legislative process over several decades [4].
“He was a true American original.”
The death of Sen. Lindsey Graham removes one of the most strategically connected figures in the U.S. Senate. As a longtime power broker who maintained a complex but enduring relationship with Donald Trump, Graham's absence creates a vacuum in the Republican party's bridge between the traditional legislative establishment and the populist wing of the party.
