Trump Remembers Senator Lindsey Graham at Funeral
During the funeral of the late Senator Lindsey Graham at the Washington National Cathedral, former President Trump described him as a “beloved friend,” a “respected statesman,” and a “giant of the United States Senate.”
“He was a man who gave America the full measure of his good and mighty heart until that heart itself just gave out,” Trump reflected on Tuesday.
Trump recounted significant events in Graham’s life, such as when he took on the responsibility of caring for his younger sister, Darline, after their parents died when he was just a teenager himself.
“He later said that for all his achievements — and he had many — his single proudest accomplishment in life was how well Darline turned out,” Trump shared.
Trump praised Graham’s Senate contributions since his 2003 inauguration, highlighting his efforts in military funding, border security, and the passage of significant tax cuts through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
According to Trump, Graham’s “finest hour” was his strong defense of Justice Brett Kavanaugh during a particularly controversial confirmation process.
Trump also recalled several light-hearted anecdotes, emphasizing Graham’s knack for humor. He mentioned a time when Graham hesitated to attend an early prayer breakfast, saying, “Tim, if Jesus himself comes back before 10:00 a.m., I ain’t going.”
“He was a force of nature and I will miss him greatly,” Trump said with emotion.
Trump acknowledged their differences during their political careers, recalling a moment from their rivalry in 2016 when Graham made some critical remarks about him. He humorously remembered how he had accidentally shared Graham’s phone number with a large audience during a speech.
“I blew up his phone all for one day,” Trump joked, adding that after that, Graham was persistent in calling him for the next decade.
Trump drew parallels between Graham’s character and the ideals found in James 1:12, stating, “For 71 years, Lindsey Graham was strong and steadfast as a brother, a senator, a warrior and a patriot.” He concluded with a sense of solace, saying Graham is now in Heaven, reunited with his family.
