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Before funeral, US lawmakers recall Lindsey Graham as persuasive, funny, and hawkish

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • Hundreds of US lawmakers gathered at the Capitol Rotunda to honor the late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham.
  • Colleagues remembered Graham as a gregarious, funny, and persuasive advocate for an assertive foreign policy, particularly supporting Israel and Ukraine.
  • Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky attended Graham's funeral, with Netanyahu calling him a "great friend."

US lawmakers gathered in the Capitol Rotunda to pay tribute to the late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, remembering him as a sharp advocate for an assertive foreign policy and a key ally to both Israel and Ukraine. The ceremony, held before his funeral, featured US Air Force bands and heartfelt tributes from colleagues who recalled his gregarious nature, humor, and persuasive abilities.

It really ended up being a great friendship. He was a great politician and a great gentleman.

— Donald TrumpTrump's reflection on his relationship with Senator Lindsey Graham.

Graham, a South Carolina Republican who died at age 71, was known for his strong support of interventionist US foreign policy. His funeral was attended by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, both of whom benefited from Graham's consistent lobbying efforts in Washington. Netanyahu described Graham as "one of Israel's greatest friends and supporters."

America has lost a great patriot. Israel has lost one of its greatest friends and supporters. And I have lost a dear friend.

— Benjamin NetanyahuNetanyahu's statement honoring Senator Lindsey Graham.

Former President Donald Trump, who had a complex relationship with Graham, recalled him as a "great politician and a great gentleman." Trump noted Graham's effectiveness in navigating partisan politics and securing Democratic support when needed. Vice President JD Vance and Senate Majority Leader John Thune also spoke, highlighting Graham's dedication to his work and his ability to persuade others within the Senate.

Because he loved people, he saw that the Senate, at its very best, could be a deliberative body geared towards persuading people.

— JD VanceVice President Vance's remembrance of Graham's approach to Senate work.

Colleagues emphasized Graham's commitment to public service and his role as a leading "hawk" in the Republican party. His flag-draped coffin was placed in the center of the Rotunda, a somber backdrop for the tributes that celebrated his life and career in the Senate.

There was no one, no one, who took his job more seriously than Lindsey Graham, but also, no one was more ca

— John ThuneSenate Majority Leader Thune's tribute to Graham's dedication.
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Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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