President Donald Trump, speaking at the funeral of Senator Lindsey Graham in Washington, D.C., remembered the hawkish Republican as a figure who "liked war" and was eager to employ American military strength. "I mean Lindsey liked war, to be honest, with you," Trump stated in a Fox & Friends interview, adding with a laugh, "He's never seen a war that he didn't like."
These remarks came just hours before Trump delivered a eulogy at the Washington National Cathedral, where he hailed Graham as both a statesman and a friend. The funeral service drew leaders from Israel and Ukraine to the United States and preceded an anticipated vote on legislation to sanction Russia.
During his eulogy, Trump reiterated his sentiment, saying, "He was extremely hawkish. I will tell you, he never saw a war that he didn't like." He qualified this by noting that Graham pursued such policies for the country's benefit, believing America's destiny was to win and to ensure its enemies would lose. Trump also pointed to the presence of global leaders mourning Graham as a testament to his significant international impact.
Fox & Friends co-host Ainsley Earhardt offered a counterpoint, referencing comments made by Graham's sister, Darline, to Sean Hannity. Earhardt summarized Darline Graham's defense, stating her brother "didn't love war, he loved peace and the end of war. But sometimes war is necessary." Trump did not directly respond to this observation.
Earlier in the interview, Trump had described Graham as a "great politician" and a "great gentleman," noting that their relationship, which began "a little bit on the rough side," evolved into a strong friendship. He described Graham as having become "like a member of the family" and someone "very special."
The relationship between Trump and Graham was notably close in later years, with the senator often advising the president on foreign affairs. However, their bond was not always amicable. Graham initially refused to support Trump in 2016, calling him "unfit for office" after they competed for the Republican presidential nomination. He also clashed with Trump over the latter's criticisms of the late Senator John McCain, a close friend of Graham's and a former prisoner of war.
The two men reconciled during Trump's first term, often golfing together. However, their relationship fractured again following the January 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol. Graham later endorsed Trump for the 2024 presidential race, choosing him over fellow South Carolinian Nikki Haley in the GOP primary.
Reflecting on the dynamic nature of their relationship, Trump recalled an incident during their 2016 presidential contest where he shared Graham's personal cell phone number publicly. "So naturally, I did something that I shouldn't have done. I shared his personal cell phone number with the millions of people that happened to be watching that particular day," Trump said in his eulogy. He humorously added that this act, surprisingly, marked the "beginning of a friendship, in a way," as Graham continued to call him "for the next 10 years."
Trump said that stance was reflected in his friendships with world leaders. "It's a testament to his towering impact that among those mourning him here today are leaders, presidents, prime ministers from all over the globe sitting right here before you."
