Funeral Services Scheduled for Late Senator Lindsey Graham in Washington and South Carolina
Senator Lindsey Graham, a former Trump critic who transitioned into an outspoken ally and died this month at age 71, is being honored with two days of funeral services across Washington, D.C., and South Carolina. Congressional leaders have planned a Tuesday ceremony at the Capitol Rotunda at 10 a.m., featuring a coffin procession carried by military service members and Capitol Police, followed by a closed funeral service at 2 p.m. at the Washington National Cathedral with President Trump and international leaders in attendance.
Global Leaders and Officials Pay Tribute to Graham’s Foreign Policy Legacy
President Trump will lead cathedral tributes alongside remarks from Fox News host Sean Hannity and readings from religious and conservative figures including the Rev. Franklin Graham, Tony Perkins, and Marjorie Dannenfelser. World leaders, such as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, praised Graham’s steadfast support for foreign alliances, while Senate Majority Leader John Thune delivered a tearful address on the Senate floor honoring the South Dakota senator’s conservative advocacy.
From Air Force Lawyer and Trump Critic to Influential Committee Chairman
Beginning his congressional career after a 1994 House election and a 2002 move to the Senate, Graham utilized his background as an Air Force lawyer to heavily shape American foreign policy, backing military interventions and maintaining close ties with Israel and Ukraine. Although he mounted a 2016 presidential bid and heavily criticized Donald Trump during the primary race, Graham quickly became one of the president’s closest Senate allies by 2018, subsequently securing leadership roles on the Judiciary and Budget committees.
Final Public Procession and Memorial Arrangements in Columbia
Following the livestreamed cathedral services, Graham’s remains will be flown to his home state of South Carolina. On Wednesday, a final public procession will travel from the South Carolina State House to the First Baptist Church of Columbia, concluding with a public funeral service scheduled for noon.
