"That was the beginning of a friendship in a way," Trump said.
Trump highlighted Graham's persistence in remaining in constant communication over the following years as they developed a close political alignment.
"It was Lindsey who had the last laugh because while I blew up his phone all for one day, we became great friends, and Lindsey did not stop calling me for the next 10 years," Trump said.
Addressing the ongoing demands of their relationship, Trump added a lighthearted observation: "It was not easy."
Prior to the cathedral service, Vice President JD Vance paid tribute to Graham during a ceremony at the US Capitol, recalling the late senator's humor and approach to governance.
"Because he loved people, he saw that the Senate, at its very best, could be a deliberative body geared towards persuading people," Vance said.
Graham maintained significant influence over foreign policy, advocating for military support for Ukraine and urging firm action regarding Iran.
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Before his death, Graham helped facilitate strategic discussions, including a NATO summit in Ankara where Trump announced licensing for Ukraine to manufacture Patriot missiles locally.
