The funeral for Senator Lindsey Graham at Washington National Cathedral on July 28, 2026, gathered a wide array of prominent figures. Among those in attendance were President Donald Trump, who was expected to deliver remarks. Other notable guests included Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, whose presence was seen as a testament to Graham's belief in American military intervention in global conflicts. This highlighted Graham's significant role on the international stage and his efforts to address world problems.
Key members of the Trump administration were also present, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh joined current and former senators and lawmakers, along with Graham's sister, Darline Graham, who was recently appointed to fill her brother's Senate term. The event also saw Fox News host Sean Hannity, who gave a tribute, recounting Graham's dedication to his work and his affection for his conversations and shared meals with President Trump. Hannity emphasized that Graham would have been deeply honored by Trump's attendance.
Earlier in the day, Graham's flag-draped casket was honored at the U.S. Capitol, where he served for over 30 years as a dealmaker. The services marked the beginning of two days of tributes, with burial scheduled for Wednesday in Graham's home state of South Carolina. Joint Base Charleston is also slated to be renamed in his honor. Graham, who was 71, died suddenly on July 11 from a likely aortic tear after returning from a NATO summit and a visit to Ukraine, where he had celebrated his birthday. Days before his death, he had secured Trump's support for a bipartisan sanctions package against Russia.
Senators planned to take a procedural vote on the Russian sanctions package as a tribute to Graham, with President Zelenskyy expected to meet with senators later that evening. Vice President JD Vance, along with other Cabinet officials such as Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin and acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, were also in attendance at the morning service at the Capitol Rotunda. The gatherings underscored Graham's impact as a "swashbuckling" public servant and a "true American original" who tirelessly fought for his beliefs.
