President Obama Honors Rep Elijah Cummings at Funeral

Publish date: 2024-06-12

KINDNESS IS KEY UPDATE

10:16 AM PT -- President Obama just took the stage to honor Rep. Cummings, saying, "There's nothing weak about kindness and compassion. There's nothing weak about looking out for others ... You're not a sucker to have integrity and treat others with respect."

UPDATE

He also seemed to take a dig at Trump, mentioning titles -- like the "Honorable" Elijah Cummings -- are given to "all types of people who get elected to office" ... but Cummings was honorable even before he was elected. The audience erupted into applause.

Rep. Elijah Cummings had a spectacular send-off after a life well-lived, with former Presidents and other dignitaries singing his praises at his funeral.

Gallery Launch Gallery funeral photos Launch Gallery Getty

Among the mourners ... Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Joe Biden, Senator Kamala Harris and many others filled all the seats at the New Psalmist Baptist Church in Baltimore. Interesting and predictable ... Trump was a no-show, although we're guessing he wasn't invited.

The theme from all of the speakers -- Rep. Cummings was a powerful, moral voice in Congress and was a pillar of integrity. As you know, he has famously squared off with President Trump, sometimes expressing moral outrage over the conduct of The White House.

Cummings had been hospitalized and underwent some sort of medical treatment. His office said the Congressman passed due to "complications concerning longstanding health challenges."

As for his health issues, Cummings had been dealing with ill health for years, which included heart surgery.

Cummings was 68. RIP.

Originally published -- 8:12 AM PT