Leaders pay final tributes to Lindsey Graham : NPR
NPR Topics: Politics — 2026-07-28 12:08:00 — www.npr.org
Trump Remembers Lindsey Graham, Recalls Past Antics and Praises Senate Legacy
President Trump delivered a eulogy for the late Sen. Lindsey Graham at the Washington National Cathedral on Tuesday, describing Graham as a “legend” and “giant of the U.S. Senate.” Trump’s remarks came during the first of two days of tributes for Graham, who died earlier this month at age 71.
Trump’s Reflections on Graham and Their Relationship
Trump expressed fondness for Graham, despite their contentious history during the 2016 GOP presidential primary. He recounted a notorious incident from that campaign, admitting, “I shouldn’t have done” it when he shared Graham’s personal cell phone number with millions. Trump repeated the digits during the funeral, drawing laughter from those in attendance.
“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,” Trump said, highlighting the evolution of their relationship from rivals to close allies.
Praise for Graham’s Senate Record and Foreign Policy Stance
Trump described Graham as a legislative powerhouse and one of his closest confidantes, particularly on foreign policy. He remarked, “He never saw a war that he didn’t like,” referencing Graham’s hawkish reputation, but added, “he wanted it for the good of our country.” Trump also credited Graham with helping shepherd his signature tax and spending bill through the Senate, joking, “a lot of Lindsey goodies in there, I can tell you.”
Personal Anecdotes and Graham’s Final Days
Trump shared a lesson Graham said he learned from his parents’ pool hall business: “You have to be funny enough that people will keep coming back, and you have to be tough enough that you can stay in business and thrive.” He praised Graham’s humor and toughness, calling him “the first person to make you laugh, and one of the last people that you really ever wanted to fight.”
Trump noted that Graham “died doing the work he was born to do,” referencing Graham’s final trip to Ukraine and his work on a sanctions deal aimed at ending Russia’s assault on the country.
Conclusion
President Trump’s remarks at Lindsey Graham’s funeral highlighted both the personal and political dimensions of their relationship, including past controversies and shared legislative victories. Trump’s eulogy underscored Graham’s influence in the Senate and his steadfast approach to foreign policy, while also recalling moments of levity and camaraderie that defined their unlikely friendship.
Source: https://www.npr.org/2026/07/28/nx-s1-5909232/lindsey-graham-funeral