Donald Trump Finally Issues Statement Honoring Sen. John McCain

Donald Trump

Donald Trump finally issued a statement honoring recently deceased Sen. John McCain.

From the White House press office:

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.

Trump was famously not invited to attend McCain's funeral.

Both Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, who defeated McCain in runs for the White House, have been invited to speak at McCain's funeral.

Much was made of the fact that the American flag at the White House, after flying at half-mast for only a day, returned to full staff today.

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

Trump issued a proclamation late today ordering the flag to be "flown at half‑staff for the same period at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations."

Some believe the change of heart came after the American Legion issued a statement asking Trump to return to a decades-long tradition of flying the flag at half-staff upon the passing of a sitting U.S. senator.

We agree with the @AmericanLegion, but feel a deep sense of sadness that they even had to write this letter, to Trump. https://t.co/azq7FqrREP

— VoteVets (@votevets) August 27, 2018