Trump hails Lindsey Graham as 'American original' at Washington funeral

President Donald Trump led tributes to Senator Lindsey Graham at a funeral service in Washington National Cathedral, hailing him as a "true American original" and a "beloved friend." Trump addressed a packed congregation, describing Graham as a "respected statesman and Senate giant" who rose from a small South Carolina town to become "a force to be reckoned with all over the world."

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true American original

"For more than 30 years, nothing of consequence happened in this capital without Lindsey Graham knowing about it," Trump stated. The service was attended by world leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, underscoring Graham's influence on US policy toward Ukraine and the Middle East. His casket was carried by military pallbearers, with Trump seated in the front row alongside Vice President JD Vance.

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beloved friend

Trump recalled Graham's reputation as a hawkish voice, humorously noting, "He never saw a war that he didn't like," before adding that Graham supported military power "for the good of our country." He also touched upon Graham's humble beginnings, helping his parents run a bar and pool hall in South Carolina, and his role as guardian to his sister, Darline, who has been appointed to complete his Senate term.

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respected statesman and Senate giant

Senator Graham died unexpectedly on July 11 at age 71 from complications linked to cardiovascular disease. Trump remarked that Graham had died "at the peak of his career" and "doing the work he was born to do." The funeral brought together politicians from both parties, former cabinet members, and Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, as well as members of the family of the late Senator John McCain, a longtime friend of Graham.

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a force to be reckoned with all over the world