President Donald Trump delivered a eulogy for the late Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) Tuesday at the Washington National Cathedral.
The service marks the end of a long and often volatile relationship between two of the most prominent figures in modern Republican politics. Graham's influence spanned decades of legislative battles and judicial appointments, making his death a significant moment for the U.S. Senate.
Trump said the senator was a "true American original" during the service [1]. He said Graham had deep connectivity within the city's political machinery, noting that nothing of consequence happened in the capital without Graham knowing about it [2].
The president reflected on Graham's approach to foreign policy and national security. Trump said that Graham never saw a war he didn't like [3]. This comment highlighted the senator's long-standing reputation as a proponent of an active U.S. role in global conflicts.
Graham spent more than 30 years on Capitol Hill [4]. During that tenure, he transitioned from a frequent critic of the president to one of his most steadfast defenders in the Senate. This evolution defined much of the latter part of Graham's career and the internal dynamics of the GOP.
The funeral gathered political leaders and dignitaries to honor the senator's impact on American governance. Trump said the late senator was a "Senate giant" who remained a constant fixture in the halls of power [5].
“"A true American original."”
The eulogy underscores the consolidation of Trump's influence over the Republican establishment, as Graham's trajectory from adversary to ally mirrored the broader shift of the GOP. Graham's death removes a key bridge between the traditional neoconservative wing of the party and the populist movement led by Trump.
