Morning Joe hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski reacted with visible discomfort to President Trump's eulogy for Sen. Lindsey Graham, calling parts of it awkward and inappropriate for a funeral. The president alternated between praise and undermining asides, including admitting he once publicized Graham's cellphone number during the 2016 campaign. The hosts' on-air face-palms and winces underscored questions about tone and decorum at a memorial service.
Morning Joe Hosts Face-Palm Over Trump's Awkward Lindsey Graham Eulogy
This is how "Morning Joe" hosts Mika Brzezinski and Joe Scarborough reacted after watching clips of President Donald Trump's eulogy for Sen. Lindsey Graham. Screenshot MS NOW via YouTube
On Wednesday's episode of Morning Joe, co-hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski reacted with visible discomfort to President Donald Trump's eulogy for the late Senator Lindsey Graham at the National Cathedral. The hosts screened several clips of the remarks and questioned whether the tone and anecdotes were appropriate for a funeral setting.
Trump delivers remarks during the funeral service for the late Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) at the Washington National Cathedral on July 28, 2026 in Washington, DC.Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images
Notable Moments From The Eulogy
In the clips shown on air, Trump alternated between praise and self-undermining asides. At one point he attempted to compliment Graham but immediately undercut it:
Trump and Graham being best buds while talking to the media aboard Air Force One in January.Joe Raedle via Getty Images
"No matter how heated things got in Washington, virtually everyone, Republican or Democrat, liked Lindsey. Well, not everybody, but it sounds good... Not everybody. He was a tough cookie, OK."
Another clip that drew attention was Trump recounting a 2016 campaign moment in which he publicly shared Graham's personal cellphone number in retaliation for a remark. He framed that episode as "the beginning of a friendship," adding that Graham "did not stop calling me for the next 10 years."
On-Air Reaction
Mika Brzezinski visibly face-palmed and asked, "Is this a eulogy at a funeral?" Scarborough appeared uncomfortable, attempted a joke, then moved the discussion to a guest commentator. Both hosts winced as the segment continued, underscoring their view that the anecdotes and tone were ill-suited to a memorial service.
Why It Resonated
The episode highlighted how personal grievances and self-referential humor can land awkwardly in solemn settings. The Morning Joe exchange — drawing on footage from MS NOW — framed the eulogy as jarringly informal and, to the hosts, inappropriate for honoring a deceased senator.
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