Trump Eulogizes Senator Lindsey Graham Amid Zelensky Meeting

President Donald Trump eulogized Senator Lindsey Graham as a true American original and a giant of the U.S. Senate during memorial services on Tuesday in Washington. Graham died suddenly on July 11 at age 71 from a likely aortic tear. The services, held at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda and the Washington National Cathedral, were attended by international leaders including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Trump's interactions during the funeral drew online criticism after videos surfaced showing him laughing and sharing Tic Tacs with Vice President JD Vance. Critics compared the behavior to a movie theater snack bar, while supporters viewed it as harmless. The incident also revived a 2016 statement from Tic Tac USA condemning Trump's past comments about the mints.

Beyond the ceremonies, Trump hosted a closed-door meeting with Zelensky at the White House to discuss missile defense and the peace process between Russia and Ukraine. The gathering highlighted Graham's legacy as a foreign policy hawk who drove bipartisan sanctions against Russia. To fill the Senate vacancy, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster appointed Darline Graham Nordone, who will run for the seat with Trump's endorsement. Joint Base Charleston will be renamed in honor of the late senator.