Two days of funeral services for Lindsey Graham, the late Republican senator from South Carolina, will begin in Washington on Tuesday. Among those expected to mourn are Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Both leaders are also scheduled to meet with Donald Trump at the White House.
Graham, a longtime foreign policy hawk, was working on a new Russia sanctions bill when he met with Zelenskyy in Kyiv earlier this month. He died shortly after returning to Washington due to a heart condition at age 71.
On Sunday, the Wall Street Journal released footage shot by a documentary team in February, showing Graham expressing excitement over the war with Iran and strongly supporting Netanyahu and Israel.
Memorial events on Tuesday will start on Capitol Hill, where Graham—a former U.S. Air Force lawyer—served in the House for eight years and as a senator for 23 years.
From the Capitol Rotunda, his casket will be taken to the Washington National Cathedral for an afternoon service. Among the scheduled speakers is Trump, whom Graham once called a “jackass” and a “race-baiting bigot” before later switching to support him.
On Wednesday, in Graham’s home state, ceremonies will begin with services and an F-16 flyover at the South Carolina State House in Columbia, followed by a procession to First Baptist Church for a public service. A private family burial will take place in Pickens County, home to Central, the small town where Graham and his younger sister and Senate successor, Darline, were born.
Back in Washington on Tuesday, the Israeli and Ukrainian leaders will each head to high-stakes White House meetings.
The behind-the-scenes footage of Graham released by the Wall Street Journal was filmed on the first day of U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran—a move long pushed by Netanyahu and eagerly embraced by Trump.
“I almost cried,” Graham said. “I mean, like, how long have we been pushing this? It’s here. I talked with Trump this morning. Holy cow. It’s here. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done. He loves blowing stuff up.”
At least 175 people, most of them schoolchildren, were killed in the Iranian city of Minab during those first strikes, likely by U.S. missiles in a controversial “double tap” attack.
Another clip released on Sunday showed Graham predicting that it would take “about three or four weeks” for attacks on Iran to cause the regime in Tehran to “start losing control of some cities” and for the U.S.-Israeli effort to gain “almost irreversible momentum.” That hasn’t happened. Nor has the U.S. joined Israeli attacks on Lebanon, as Graham was shown urging Netanyahu to do.
In the footage, Graham also said: “Trump and Bibi [Netanyahu] are like Roosevelt and Churchill. They’re the right two guys to confront this evil.”
As it turns out, the relationship between Netanyahu and Trump has come under significant strain, with reports of angry confrontations.
Meanwhile, Zelenskyy will hope for a more constructive meeting in the Oval Office than the now-famous occasion in February 2025, when he was scolded by Trump and JD Vance, including for not wearing a suit.
Relations between Kyiv and Washington have remained tense, even as Ukraine has gained the upper hand in its long fight against Russian invaders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs about the funeral services for Lindsey Graham with Benjamin Netanyahu and Volodymyr Zelenskyy in attendance
BeginnerLevel Questions
1 Wait Lindsey Graham died When did that happen
No this is a hypothetical scenario Senator Lindsey Graham is currently alive This FAQ assumes a future event where he has passed away
2 Why would Netanyahu and Zelenskyy attend his funeral
Senator Graham was a strong vocal supporter of both Israel and Ukraine He frequently met with them and advocated for US aid Their attendance would be a sign of deep respect and friendship
3 Where would the funeral likely be held
It would likely be in his home state of South Carolina andor in Washington DC
4 When will the funeral services begin
Services typically begin 37 days after the death The exact schedule would be released by his family and office
Advanced Logistical Questions
5 What security protocols would be in place with two foreign leaders attending
Extremely high The US Secret Service would lead security coordinating with the State Department Capitol Police and local law enforcement Expect a massive security perimeter airspace restrictions road closures and a heavy police presence
6 Would this be a state funeral or a private service
It would likely be a mix As a sitting US Senator he would be eligible for a lyinginstate in the Capitol Rotunda The family would then hold a private funeral service The presence of Netanyahu and Zelenskyy would elevate it to a highlevel diplomatic event
7 How would the presence of Netanyahu and Zelenskyy affect the timing
Their schedules are incredibly busy especially given ongoing conflicts The date and time would be negotiated to ensure both leaders could attend which could delay the service by a day or two
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