United States President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy are expected to attend the funeral of late U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham on Tuesday in Washington, D.C.
The funeral service will be held at the Washington National Cathedral after a ceremony at the U.S. Capitol, where Trump is scheduled to deliver a tribute to his longtime political ally.
Graham, a Republican senator from South Carolina, died on July 11 at the age of 71 after suffering a heart ailment.
A strong advocate of U.S. military engagement abroad, he consistently pushed for American support for both Israel and Ukraine during their respective conflicts.
The senator met with Zelenskiy in Kyiv just one day before his death, marking his 10th visit to Ukraine since Russia’s 2022 invasion.
He had also been working to secure Senate approval for a bipartisan package of sanctions against Russia in the final days of his life.
Known as one of Trump’s closest allies in Congress, Graham frequently defended the administration’s foreign policy, including its approach to the Iran conflict.
His relationship with Trump evolved dramatically after initially opposing his 2016 presidential bid, eventually becoming one of the president’s most loyal supporters and frequent golfing partners.
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster appointed Graham’s sister, Darline Graham, to complete the remainder of his Senate term.
She has announced plans to seek election to a full six-year term in November with Trump’s endorsement.
Following Tuesday’s service in Washington, Graham will be honoured at a second funeral on Wednesday in South Carolina, where he will be laid to rest.
