President Donald Trump delivered a speech this Tuesday at the funeral of Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, describing him as a patriot, a legislative giant, and a dear friend who dedicated more than three decades of his life to his political career and public service.
"Today we gather with the deepest gratitude and profound sorrow to honor a beloved friend, a selfless brother, a respected statesman, a giant of the United States Senate, and a true original American who left us too soon", Trump expressed in a speech.
The president emphasized that Graham became the legal guardian of his younger sister after the death of their parents when he was still in college. "Later on, he said that, of all his accomplishments —and he had many— his greatest pride in life was how well Darline turned out," Trump noted. Darline Graham Nordone now holds her brother's seat honoring his legacy.
Among the achievements that Trump attributed to his deceased friend, securing record funding for the military, promoting border security, pushing for the approval of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, and leading the battle in the Senate for the confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh stand out.
Images from today's afternoon funeral.
Trump's heartfelt words
The head of state recalled the complex relationship he had with Graham during the 2016 Republican presidential primaries. "Back in 2016, Lindsey said something quite ugly during my rise to the presidency of the United States," Trump remembered. "So, naturally, I did something I shouldn't have done."
"I shared his personal cell phone number with the millions of people who were watching at that exact moment", the president said. "While giving a speech, a very important speech... I remember the number. Just in case someone wants to try their luck. His phone exploded. He told me: 'I've had that number for 20 years'. His phone was totally... I don't know what he did with it, but it exploded," he reminisced.
"That was, in a way, the beginning of a friendship. But it was Lindsey who laughed last because, although I blew his phone up for a day, we became great friends and Lindsey didn't stop calling me for the next 10 years", he considered.
To close his eulogy, Trump stated that Lindsey Graham was an optimistic person who never gave up. "For 71 years, Lindsey Graham was steadfast and constant as a brother, senator, fighter, and patriot," he highlighted. "And now he wears the crown of life in heaven, reunited with his parents and with the Lord... Lindsey, we love you. God bless you. We will always be with you."
