U.S. President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are expected to attend funeral services in Washington on Tuesday for longtime Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, whose sudden death earlier this month has prompted tributes from across the political spectrum.
Graham, 71, died on July 11 from a heart ailment after serving more than two decades in the U.S. Senate. A prominent foreign-policy hawk and close ally of both Israel and Ukraine, he had remained deeply involved in national security issues.
The funeral is being held at Washington National Cathedral following a ceremony at the U.S. Capitol, where Graham’s body is being honored in recognition of his Senate service. Trump is scheduled to deliver remarks during the cathedral service, underscoring the significance of Graham’s role within the Republican Party and his close relationship with the president in recent years.
The attendance of Netanyahu and Zelenskiy highlights Graham’s influence on international affairs. Both leaders maintained strong ties with the South Carolina senator, who was one of Washington’s most vocal advocates for military and diplomatic support to their countries during ongoing conflicts. Their presence is expected to make the funeral one of the most prominent gatherings of international leaders in Washington this year.
The visit also coincides with separate meetings planned between Trump and the two foreign leaders, with discussions expected to focus on the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East and broader U.S. foreign-policy priorities. Analysts say the overlap between the funeral and the high-level diplomatic meetings reflects Graham’s unique position as a bridge between domestic Republican politics and some of Washington’s most consequential international alliances.
Graham served in the Senate since 2003 and was known for his outspoken positions on defense, national security and U.S. alliances abroad. He will later be buried in South Carolina, where a second memorial service is planned.
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