President Donald Trump delivered a eulogy for the late Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at the Washington National Cathedral. Trump remembered Graham as a "beloved friend, a devoted brother, a respected statesman, a giant of the United States Senate, and a true American original who left us much too soon."

Reflecting on their relationship, Trump recalled their rivalry during the 2016 Republican presidential nomination race, noting, "He was a force of nature, and I will miss him greatly. As you remember, Lindsey and I did not exactly get off to the best of starts, running against each other back in 2016."

Trump shared a story about a moment of tension when Graham said "something rather nasty," prompting Trump to retaliate by sharing Graham's personal cell phone number with a crowd. However, he said, "But it was Lindsey who had the last laugh because while I blew up his phone for one day, we became great friends, and Lindsey did not stop calling me for the next 10 years."

The president praised Graham's dedication, saying he "died doing the work he was born to do" and described him as "truly a great politician, serving the country he loved to serve so deeply." Trump added, "He went out at the peak of his career, the top of his game as a legend that every one of us, many of us here today, were blessed to know him and a friend that none of us will ever forget."

Trump also highlighted Graham's devotion to his family, especially his sister, Darline Graham Nordone, who has succeeded him in the Senate. "He later said that for all his achievements — and he had many — his single proudest accomplishment was how well Darline turned out," Trump said. "He had total respect and love for Darline."

The eulogy included personal anecdotes about their golf games and emphasized the deep friendship that developed over the years.

Sources