Late Monday afternoon, the flag flying at the White House was lowered to half-staff to honor the late Sen. John McCain. It had been lowered to half-staff Sunday but then raised again on Monday morning, even as the nation continued honoring McCain’s life and legacy. The American Legion was among those who criticized the White House lapse and urged that the flag be lowered. The Arizona Republican, whose relationship with President Trump has long been fraught, died Saturday at the age of 81 after battling brain cancer.
Flag back at full staff atop WH. Pres Trump did not issue proclamation on the death of @SenJohnMcCain, which usually calls for flags to remain at half-staff through the day of interment, which is Sunday at the @NavalAcademy. pic.twitter.com/NGasNPT0VB
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) August 27, 2018
In a statement issued Monday afternoon by the White House, the president said:
“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.
I have asked Vice President Mike Pence to offer an address at the ceremony honoring Senator McCain at the United States Capitol this Friday.
At the request of the McCain family, I have also authorized military transportation of Senator McCain’s remains from Arizona to Washington, D.C., military pallbearers and band support, and a horse and caisson transport during the service at the United States Naval Academy.
Finally, I have asked General John Kelly, Secretary James Mattis, and Ambassador John Bolton to represent my Administration at his services.”
Statement from @POTUS on Senator McCain. pic.twitter.com/kwM6VIQdnM
— Kayleigh McEnany 45 Archived (@PressSec45) August 27, 2018
Additionally:
Pres Trump further says he has asked the @VP to offer remarks at the ceremony honoring Sen McCain at Capitol on Friday. And has also asked WH Chief of Staff John Kelly, DefSec Mattis and NSA @AmbJohnBolton to represent the Administration at funeral services for McCain.
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) August 27, 2018
