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US President Donald Trump has hailed Lindsey Graham as a "true American original" as world leaders and Washington's political elite gathered for the funeral of the hardline Republican senator who helped shape US policy on Ukraine and the Middle East, according to ABC Australia. Hundreds of mourners paid their respects to the late senator from South Carolina at the Washington National Cathedral, as reported by Al Jazeera.

Coverage comparison

The funeral drew a diverse array of coverage from international outlets, with the South China Morning Post describing Graham as a "swashbuckling" public servant and "true American original." The Guardian — World noted Graham was a "polarizing figure" and onetime rival turned stalwart ally of Donald Trump. The Jerusalem Post emphasized Graham's role as a "staunch ally" of Israel and Ukraine, while ABC Australia highlighted his influence as a "hardline" senator who helped shape US policy on Ukraine and the Middle East.

Key claims

  • Donald Trump hailed Lindsey Graham as a "true American original" during the funeral, as reported by ABC Australia and the South China Morning Post.
  • Graham's funeral was attended by world leaders including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, according to multiple outlets including Al Jazeera, the Jerusalem Post, and ABC Australia.
  • Graham's sister, Darline, has been chosen to replace him in the US Senate, as reported by ABC Australia, with The Guardian — World adding she is running in the Republican primary to permanently succeed him.
  • Graham was a strong supporter of Israel and Ukraine, a claim carried by the Jerusalem Post, Al Jazeera, and The Guardian — World.
  • The senator died unexpectedly on July 11 at age 71 from complications linked to cardiovascular disease, as reported by ABC Australia.
  • Graham was a defense hawk who regularly called for US intervention, a claim carried by the Jerusalem Post.
  • Graham was a prominent voice in the anti-abortion movement, as reported by The Guardian — World.
  • Graham supported the 2003 US invasion of Iraq, a claim carried by Al Jazeera.

Perspectives

Trump administration perspective

President Donald Trump called Graham a "beloved friend" and said he "died doing the work he was born to do," as reported by Al Jazeera. Trump told the congregation that "nothing of consequence happened in this capital without Lindsey Graham knowing about it," according to ABC Australia.

International allies perspective

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated, "America has lost a great patriot. Israel has lost one of its greatest friends and supporters. And I have lost a dear friend," as reported by the Jerusalem Post. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky attended the service, reflecting Graham's role as a vocal champion of Ukraine, according to multiple outlets.

Congressional perspective

Senate Majority Leader John Thune hailed Graham as a "fierce defender of Ukraine" and a "powerful voice for the [anti-abortion] movement," as reported by The Guardian — World. Thune added there was "no one more capable of cracking up a room," according to the South China Morning Post.