John McCain

[GMDino]

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-45323772

Quote:John McCain death: Trump lowers White House flag after criticism



US President Donald Trump has announced that the White House flag will be returned to half-staff, after critics attacked his response to the death of Republican senator John McCain.


Flags at some federal buildings were fully raised on Monday, far earlier than would normally be expected after such an event.


Mr Trump tweeted his condolences to the McCain family, but has not offered a tribute to the veteran's life.


The pair had a fractious relationship.








Mr Trump appeared to repeatedly ignore media questions about the flag before announcing that it would be lowered again.


He said in a statement: "Despite our differences on policy and politics, I respect Senator John McCain's service to our country and, in his honour, have signed a proclamation to fly the flag of the United States at half-staff until the day of his interment."


He also confirmed reports he will not attend McCain's funeral next weekend.


The statement said other members of the Trump administration, including his chief of staff and secretary of defence, will attend instead.

Vice-President Mike Pence will also address a service in McCain's honour at the capitol on Friday.



...


Who complained about the White House flag?
Traditionally, the death of somebody of McCain's stature would see flags flying at half-staff until their burial.


The White House was urged by senators of both parties to honour that protocol, and critics asked why a proclamation had not been issued as it was after the deaths of other political figures, such as former First Lady Barbara Bush.


Senior Democrat Chuck Schumer and top Republican Mitch McConnell said the flags on all government buildings should be at half-staff for the late senator until his burial next Sunday.

• Former presidents lead McCain tributes
  

Flags at the US Capitol and other Washington landmarks remained at half-staff earlier on Monday, but the White House had returned to its usual levels.

Why was there no Trump statement?
The rather sparing statement on Monday was the first from the White House to reference McCain's death.
None were issued over the weekend, though one was drafted, according to US media.


Instead, both the president and vice-president offered their condolences to the senator's family via Twitter.


Skip Twitter post by @realDonaldTrump

Quote:
[/url]Donald J. Trump

@realDonaldTrump





My deepest sympathies and respect go out to the family of Senator John McCain. Our hearts and prayers are with you!
8:44 PM - Aug 25, 2018

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End of Twitter post by @realDonaldTrump

Skip Twitter post by @VP

Quote:
Vice President Mike Pence

@VP





Karen and I send our deepest condolences to Cindy and the entire McCain family on the passing of Senator John McCain. We honor his lifetime of service to this nation in our military and in public life. His family and friends will be in our prayers. God bless John McCain.
9:46 PM - Aug 25, 2018

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The antipathy between the president and McCain has been well documented since Mr Trump took office.


Earlier this month, when he signed a multi-billion dollar defence bill named after McCain, the president did not say his name.


Mr McCain's body will lie in state in the Arizona State Capitol on Wednesday and at the US Capitol Rotunda on Friday, giving his colleagues and the public a chance to pay their respects.

He will then be laid to rest on Sunday in a private ceremony at the US Naval Academy chapel.

Even in death McCain proves he's a better man and more of a winner than Trump.