President Trump on Monday issued a statement expressing his “respect” for the late Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), following criticism of his response to the Senate giant’s…
President Trump on Monday issued a statement expressing his “respect” for the late Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), following criticism of his response to the Senate giant’s passing.
“Despite our differences on policy and politics, I respect Senator John McCain’s service to our country and, in his honor, have signed a proclamation to fly the flag of the United States at half-staff until the day of his interment,” Trump said in a statement.
“I have asked Vice President Mike Pence to offer an address at the ceremony honoring Senator McCain at the United States Capitol this Friday,” Trump added.
The president said chief of staff John Kelly, Defense Secretary James Mattis and national security adviser John Bolton will represent his administration at McCain’s funeral services.
McCain died Saturday at age 81 following a yearlong battle with an aggressive form of brain cancer.
Monday’s statement came after a report that Trump had initially rejected a laudatory White House statement praising McCain over the weekend.
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