TL/DR –
The article presents a list of funerals and memorial services attended or not attended by former President Trump during his term. Some of the noted appearances include former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral, the funeral of Pope Francis, and conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s memorial service among others. The article also highlights instances where Trump did not attend funerals, such as those of former first lady Barbara Bush and Senator John McCain, largely due to personal disputes or upon the request of the deceased.
Funeral Appearances of Trump during his Presidential Terms
Today’s service for Graham at Washington National Cathedral will be the fourth funeral appearance of Trump in his second term, taking his total to seven.
Trump was present at ex-President Jimmy Carter’s funeral, which took place 11 days before his inauguration. The service saw Trump interacting with ex-presidents and the then outgoing President Joe Biden. Noteworthy incidents were Trump’s handshake with his former vice president, Mike Pence, and his animated conversation with former President Barack Obama.
Trump flew to Rome for Pope Francis’s funeral, along with 50 heads of state and world leaders, including Biden. Zelenskyy, the Ukrainian President, attended and held a 15-minute meeting with Trump, their first in-person encounter since their past contentious meeting. A photograph of them inside St. Peter’s Basilica become a defining image of the day.
Charlie Kirk’s Memorial Service
Trump attended Charlie Kirk’s memorial service at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, following the conservative activist’s assassination. The event drew about 90,000 attendees and featured tributes from political allies, friends, and family members. Trump was joined by tech billionaire Elon Musk in a suite overlooking the stadium.
Trump delivered remarks lasting more than 40 minutes, praising Kirk’s influence on the conservative movement and calling him a “martyr for American freedom.”
Robert Trump’s Funeral
Trump held a funeral for his brother, Robert Trump, in the East Room of the White House. He described his brother as his “best friend.”
Rev. Billy Graham’s Service
“America’s Pastor” Billy Graham became only the fourth private citizen to lie in honor in the Capitol rotunda. Trump attended the service, alongside Melania Trump and Pence among others. Trump delivered brief remarks at the service, praising Graham for his devotion to Christianity.
Former President George H.W. Bush’s Funeral
Trump attended George H.W. Bush’s funeral, but did not deliver a eulogy or speech. Trump paid respects in the Capitol rotunda and declared a national day of mourning. Trump said in a post on X that “this is not a funeral, this is a day of celebration.”
Barbara Bush’s Funeral
The White House released a statement explaining Trump’s absence from Barbara Bush’s funeral, stating that he would not attend “to avoid disruptions due to added security, and out of respect for the Bush Family and friends.”
Trump did not attend Sen. John McCain’s funeral after McCain, R-Ariz., requested before his death that he would not be invited to the service. Then-Vice President Pence attended instead, representing the administration.
Dick Cheney’s Funeral
Trump and Vice President JD Vance did not attend former Vice President Dick Cheney’s funeral after they were not invited to the service. The absence of Trump and Vance reflected the Cheneys\’ long-standing opposition to Trump, whom they criticized for trying to overturn the 2020 presidential election results and for his rejection of traditional international alliances in favor of a nationalist agenda.
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