Graham to Be Honored at Funeral Services This Week. Here’s How to Watch.
NYT > U.S. > Politics — 2026-07-28 04:03:00 — www.nytimes.com
Donald Trump Praises Lindsey Graham as “One of the Greatest” at Senator’s Funeral
In the wake of Senator Lindsey Graham’s death, Donald Trump has publicly praised the late senator, describing him as “one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known,” and adding that Graham was “a natural — very few of them,” and that “he got along with everybody.” Trump’s remarks came as part of a series of tributes from political leaders and world figures ahead of Graham’s funeral services in Washington and South Carolina.
Trump is scheduled to lead the tributes to Graham at the Washington National Cathedral, according to the program released by organizers. The event will also feature remarks from Fox News host Sean Hannity and religious and conservative leaders.
Graham’s relationship with Trump was marked by a dramatic shift. During the 2016 presidential campaign, Graham was a vocal critic, calling Trump a “demagogue” and a “race-baiting, xenophobic, religious bigot.” However, after Trump took office, Graham became one of his closest allies in the Senate, eventually rising to lead influential committees and playing a key role in foreign policy matters.
Trump’s comments following Graham’s death reflect the senator’s transformation from opponent to confidant, and highlight the political alliances that shaped both men’s careers. As the nation mourns Graham, Trump’s words underscore the complicated legacy of a senator who navigated shifting political tides and ultimately became a central figure in Trump’s orbit.
The funeral services, which will be livestreamed, are expected to draw leaders from around the world, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Graham will be honored for his decades of service in Congress and his outspoken advocacy on foreign policy, particularly his support for Israel and Ukraine.
Trump’s tribute, while effusive, also serves as a reminder of the senator’s controversial journey from critic to ally—a journey that mirrored the broader realignments within the Republican Party during Trump’s presidency. As the ceremonies unfold, the spotlight remains on both Graham’s legacy and Trump’s ongoing influence within the party.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/28/us/politics/lindsey-graham-funeral-watch.html