Trump, Senate give tearful goodbye to Lindsey Graham - The Hill

What the report says

The Hill reported that former Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) was honored Wednesday in two memorial services in Washington, drawing tributes from President Trump, Vice President Vance, congressional leaders, senators from both parties, foreign leaders and family members. The services took place at the Capitol Rotunda and later at Washington National Cathedral, where Trump administration officials and international figures including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky were among those present.

Trump used his remarks to reflect on his once-combative relationship with Graham during the 2015 Republican presidential primary, including the episode in which Trump publicly shared Graham’s phone number. He said the rivalry later became a close friendship, as Graham emerged as one of Trump’s most prominent Senate allies. Vance focused on Graham’s role in defending Brett Kavanaugh during the 2018 Supreme Court confirmation fight, a moment that remained politically divisive but helped define Graham’s later career.

The Hill described a bipartisan turnout at the Capitol service, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.), Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), lawmakers, former members of Congress, Graham’s relatives, staff and South Carolina officials. Attendees were seen paying respects at the casket, and speakers highlighted Graham’s humor, personal warmth, support for Israel and Ukraine, and ability to maintain relationships across party lines despite sharp policy disputes.

Graham died July 11 at age 71 of an aortic dissection, according to the Washington, D.C., medical examiner cited by The Hill. He served in the House from 1995 to 2003 and in the Senate from 2003 until his death. Trump has appointed Graham’s sister, Darline Graham, to fill the seat and endorsed her November bid.