In an emotional eulogy at the Washington National Cathedral on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, former President Donald Trump paid tribute to the late Senator Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., reflecting on how their relationship evolved from political adversaries to close friends.

Trump recalled that their rocky start dated back to when both were running for president in 2016, with Graham having said something "nasty" about him. As a response during a live televised speech that year, Trump publicly shared Graham's personal cell phone number, a decision he acknowledged as a mistake.

"I shared his personal cell phone number with the millions of people that happened to be watching that particular day as I made a speech, a very important speech," Trump said. He added, "And I remember the number (202) 228-0292 if anybody wants to give it a shot."

Trump described how Graham's phone "exploded" with calls, noting, "He said, ‘I had that number for 20 years.’ His phone totally — I don't know what he did with it. But it exploded."

Despite the initial prank, Trump said, "But it was Lindsey who had the last laugh, because while I blew up his phone all for one day, we became great friends and Lindsey did not stop calling me for the next 10 years."

Before the funeral service began, the Washington National Cathedral served as a gathering place for those who knew, worked with, and sometimes clashed with the late senator.

Trump's remarks highlighted the unlikely bond that grew from a contentious political moment into a decade-long friendship.

Sources