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.
Mr Trump told a packed congregation at Washington National Cathedral that Senator Graham was a "beloved friend," respected statesman and Senate giant who had risen from a small South Carolina town to become "a force to be reckoned with all over the world".
He also touched on Senator Graham's reputation as one of Congress's most hawkish voices.
"He never saw a war that he didn't like," Mr Trump said, drawing laughter before adding that Senator Graham supported military power "for the good of our country".
Donald Trump has praised Lindsey Graham for his originality and outspokenness. (Reuters: Evan Vucci)
Senator Graham's American flag-draped casket was carried into the cathedral by military pallbearers and placed near Mr Trump, who sat in the front row alongside US Vice-President JD Vance.
World leaders attend funeral
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attended after holding separate White House meetings with Mr Trump, reflecting Senator Graham's role as one of Washington's most vocal champions of both countries.
The funeral also brought together politicians from both parties, most of Mr Trump's cabinet, Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh and members of the family of Senator Graham's longtime friend, the late Republican senator John McCain.
Mr Trump called Senator Graham, who frequently joined the US president on golf outings, "a friend none of us will ever forget".
"For more than 30 years, nothing of consequence happened in this capital without Lindsey Graham knowing about it," Mr Trump said.
"Nothing of significance happened anywhere in the world without Lindsey Graham having a view on it.
Benjamin Netanyahu met with Donald Trump before Lindsey Graham's funeral. (Reuters: Evelyn Hockstein)
"Above all, Lindsey Graham believed in a strong America.
"He had unwavering faith in the righteousness of American power."
Senator Graham died unexpectedly on July 11 at age 71 from complications linked to cardiovascular disease.
Mr Trump said the senator had died "at the peak of his career" and "doing the work he was born to do".
Humble beginning
The US president also recalled Senator Graham's humble upbringing, helping his parents run a bar and pool hall in South Carolina, where he developed the humour and diplomatic instincts that later defined his political career.
After their parents died, Senator Graham became the legal guardian of his teenage sister Darline while he was still in his 20s.
Darline Graham has been chosen to replace her brother in the US Senate. (Reuters: Ken Cedeno)
Senator Graham regarded his sister's success as his proudest achievement, Mr Trump said, calling it fitting that she had been appointed to complete his Senate term.
The cathedral funeral followed a morning ceremony beneath the Capitol dome, where Senator Graham's casket was carried into the Rotunda as a US Army brass quintet played Amazing Grace and America the Beautiful.
Senator Graham served in the House of Representatives before winning election to the Senate in 2002, becoming an influential voice on the military, foreign policy and the judiciary.
His body is due to return to South Carolina for further memorial services in Columbia and Pickens County, where he grew up.
AFP
