Funeral arrangements are underway for the late Senator Lindsey Graham, with ceremonies taking place in both Washington, D.C. and his home state of South Carolina. The longtime South Carolina Republican, who died on July 11 at age 71, is being honored today with a series of memorial events recognizing his decades of service. His funeral at Washington National Cathedral is expected to draw a large gathering of political leaders, foreign dignitaries and longtime colleagues.
President Trump paid tribute to the late Senator Lindsey Graham on Tuesday, delivering a sweeping eulogy at Washington National Cathedral that cast the South Carolina Republican as “one of the great figures in Senate history.” Speaking before Cabinet officials, foreign dignitaries and a bipartisan crowd of lawmakers, Trump praised Graham’s decades on Capitol Hill, saying he “died doing the work he was born to do” and “went out at the peak of his career…as a legend.”
Trump remembered Graham as a “true American original” and “a friend none of us will ever forget,” praising his influence in Congress and saying that “no bill became law” without Graham’s imprint. He also noted Graham’s evolution from fierce critic to close ally, calling him both “the first person to make you laugh” and “one of the last people that you really wanted to fight.”
Graham, who served as U.S. senator since 2003, died after suffering a tear in his aorta, according to a preliminary report from the medical examiner. An aortic dissection occurs when a tear forms in the inner wall of the aorta, the body’s largest artery, allowing blood to flow between its layers.
Graham’s office says he died surrounded by family members and close friends.
Lawmakers Mourn Lindsey Graham as Funeral Events Continue
Lawmakers from both parties showed visible emotion at the Capitol as they paid their final respects to Graham. Senator Chris Coons crossed himself at the casket, while former Senator Richard Burr leaned forward to kiss it, pausing for a moment before stepping away.
The tributes in Washington continue this afternoon at Washington National Cathedral, where President Donald Trump is scheduled to deliver a eulogy alongside other speakers. Additional services are planned in South Carolina on Wednesday as Graham’s remains return to his home state.
After meeting with Trump at the White House earlier today, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he offered condolences on Graham’s passing, calling him “a true friend of Ukraine.” Graham traveled frequently to Kyiv over the years, often serving as an informal link between Trump and Zelensky during periods of heightened tension and diplomacy.
The service is being livestreamed to the public on the cathedral’s website and YouTube channel.
Though Graham was a lifelong Southern Baptist who grew up and was baptized at Corinth Baptist Church in Seneca, South Carolina, today’s service takes place inside Washington National Cathedral, the Episcopal seat of the Bishop of Washington.
The cathedral, often used for major state funerals and national prayer services, is not a government institution but a private Episcopal church within the Anglican Communion.
Graham frequently spoke about his Christian faith and Southern Baptist upbringing throughout his career, making today’s setting a reminder of how national tradition often intersects with personal religious identity during moments of public mourning.
Earlier this morning, Graham’s remains arrived at the U.S. Capitol carried by an Armed Forces Body Bearer Team. A U.S. Capitol Police memorial guard is now standing watch inside the Rotunda to honor his years of service. That ceremony is also streaming live, according to a press release from his office.
Following the Washington service, Graham’s remains will return to South Carolina for additional public tributes on Wednesday, July 29, beginning at 10:45 a.m. ET. A procession will stop at the South Carolina State House before continuing to First Baptist Church of Columbia for a public funeral service. The ceremonies will conclude with a private family burial in Pickens County, where Graham spent much of his early life.
Graham’s sister and successor in the Senate, Darline Graham, says the family is grateful for the support received in organizing the ceremonies, and thanks the White House, Senate officials, and Washington National Cathedral for helping coordinate the tributes.
“I am grateful to all those who have come together to help honor and remember Lindsey. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to President Trump and his team, Washington National Cathedral, Senate leadership, First Baptist Church of Columbia and the Senate Sergeant at Arms for going above and beyond to ensure these will be honorable tributes to Lindsey,” she said.
Speakers Praise Graham’s Legacy
At the Capitol today, Rep. Sheri Biggs pays tribute to Senator Lindsey Graham, recalling him as a lawmaker who never lost sight of his South Carolina roots. She described Graham as authentic, sharp‑witted and driven by a belief that public service is measured by the people whose lives are changed along the way.
“A legacy is built through the lives touched, the relationships formed, and the focused mission to make a difference over time,” she said, adding that Graham devoted his career to making the country—and the world—more secure.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune also gave an emotional remembrance, calling Graham a “towering figure” in Congress and abroad. Thune reflected on Graham’s ability to connect with foreign leaders and U.S. service members during overseas delegations, saying his influence on national security and foreign policy alone would have secured his place in Senate history.
He also credited Graham with helping move major tax legislation when he chaired the Budget Committee, and notes his outspoken support for Ukraine and the pro‑life movement.
Thune paused as he recalls Graham’s humor, saying no one worked harder but few could lighten a room faster. Meals with Graham, he says, were guaranteed to be lively, unpretentious and full of laughter. He closed his tribute with a personal farewell, telling his late colleague to rest in peace and adding that he looks forward to “the days when you make us all laugh again.”
‘He Swashbuckled In Like He Was 6-Foot-5,’ Vance Says in Tribute to Graham
Vice President JD Vance offered one of the most colorful remembrances at today’s Capitol ceremony, recalling Senator Lindsey Graham as a larger‑than‑life presence who projected confidence far beyond his physical stature.
Vance joked that Graham “swashbuckled in with his jacket open like he was 6‑foot‑5,” drawing laughter from the crowd.
Vance described Graham as someone who genuinely loved people and approached politics through persuasion rather than confrontation. He remembered Graham as a mentor who could clash with colleagues on one issue and champion them on another, saying the senator’s ability to reason, respect and ultimately convince others defined his style in the chamber.
The vice president also credited Graham with playing a decisive role in the confirmation of Justice Brett Kavanaugh, recalling Graham’s forceful defense of the nominee during the contentious 2018 hearings. Vance noted that Graham took pride in supporting Supreme Court picks from presidents of both parties, even when it drew criticism from within his own ranks.
Guests Arrive at National Cathedral
A steady stream of political and diplomatic heavyweights arrived at Washington National Cathedral this afternoon as mourners gathered for Graham’s funeral.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was among the first notable attendees spotted entering the cathedral, a striking moment given Graham’s long‑standing support for Ukraine and his frequent visits to Kyiv over the years. Zelensky’s presence follows his meeting at the White House earlier today.
Shortly afterward, former Attorney General Bill Barr was seen walking into the cathedral, followed by Miriam Adelson, a major Republican donor and influential figure in conservative politics. Former Georgia senator Kelly Loeffler and former WWE executive and Trump administration official Linda McMahon were also spotted taking their seats as the sanctuary filled.
Inside Washington National Cathedral, Benjamin Netanyahu and RFK Jr. stood together in conversation. The two spoke intently for several minutes, remaining in place as other attendees continued filing into the sanctuary for Graham’s funeral. It is unclear what the two spoke about.
Trump’s Tic Tac Moment Draws Millions of Views
One of the most widely shared moments from the funeral involved Trump distributing Tic Tacs to people seated nearby during the service.
Video posted by the X account Breaking911 showed the president passing the mints to fellow attendees as proceedings took place inside Washington National Cathedral.
Another clip that quickly went viral showed Trump attempting to toss a Tic Tac into his mouth.
The video, which circulated widely on social media, showed him trying multiple times before appearing unsuccessful in landing the mint.
The moment was shared by political commentator Acyn and generated millions of views as users reacted to the unexpected scene during the funeral service.
Trump Ad-Libs During Eulogy for Graham
Another moment that generated laughter inside the cathedral came during Trump’s eulogy when he departed from his prepared remarks while discussing Graham’s popularity among colleagues.
Reading from the text, Trump said: “Virtually everyone liked Lindsey.”
He then paused and added: “Well, not everybody. But it sounds good. He was a tough cookie. I have to be honest. I have to veer from this for a second.”
The unscripted comment drew laughs from mourners before Trump returned to his prepared tribute to the late South Carolina senator.
Clips of the exchange were widely shared across social media platforms following the service, with one, shared by independent journalist Aaron Rupar, getting seven million views at the time of writing.
Trump Seen Tapping Graham’s Casket
Footage from inside Washington National Cathedral also showed Trump briefly placing his hand on and tapping Graham’s casket as he paid his respects.
A video of the moment, also shared by Rupar, had amassed more than 17 million views on X within hours of being posted.
The gesture prompted a wave of reactions online, with supporters and critics offering differing interpretations of the moment as clips continued circulating across social media.
Social Media Users Debate Whether Trump Fell Asleep
Another viral clip led to online speculation about Trump’s attentiveness during the service.
Footage shared on social media appeared to show the president sitting with his head lowered while seated among mourners.
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Some users claimed the video showed Trump falling asleep during the funeral, while others disputed that characterization and argued the brief clip did not provide enough context to determine what was happening.
No independent evidence emerged showing that Trump had fallen asleep during the service.
