Trump jokes about sharing Graham’s phone number at eulogy

President Donald Trump delivered a eulogy for the late Senator Lindsey Graham on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at the Washington National Cathedral, mixing heartfelt praise with humorous recollections of their famously contentious political beginnings. The service honored Graham, the longtime South Carolina Republican who died on July 11, 2026, at the age of 71.

In his remarks, Trump described Graham as a "beloved friend," a "respected statesman," and a "true American original" whose influence was felt globally. He praised Graham's rise from a small town in South Carolina to a towering figure in the Senate, stating that nothing of significance happened in the world without Graham having a view on it.

The president lightened the somber occasion by recounting the origin of their friendship, which stemmed from a political feud during the 2016 Republican presidential primary. After Graham, then a rival candidate, called him a "jackass," Trump retaliated by publicly reading Graham's personal cell phone number at a 2015 campaign rally. During the eulogy, Trump once again recited the number, 202-228-0292, to laughter from the mourners, recalling how it had caused Graham's phone to "explode."