Capitol Rotunda Bids Farewell to Senator Lindsey Graham

Global leaders, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, attended the ceremony to acknowledge a man who served as a primary architect of U.S. foreign assistance to their nations. Colleagues remembered the South Carolina Republican not only for his hawkish defense policies but for his gregarious nature and sharp, often disarming, sense of humor.

Former President Donald Trump, reflecting on their evolution from political rivals to firm allies, credited Graham with significant political acumen. Vice President JD Vance and Senate Majority Leader John Thune emphasized his skill in navigating the complexities of the upper chamber, where his influence shaped decades of international relations. As South Carolina officials look toward the upcoming special election to fill his seat, the proceedings served as a final testament to a legislator who viewed American military strength as the essential anchor of global stability.