WASHINGTON (AP) – Two days after Sen. John McCain’s death, President Donald Trump says he respects the senator’s “service to our country” and has signed a proclamation to fly the U.S. flag at half-staff until his burial.
The flag atop the White House flew at half-staff over the weekend but was raised Monday and then lowered again amid criticism.
Trump and McCain have feuded for years.
Trump tweeted about McCain after his death Saturday but has passed up several chances to comment publicly on the Arizona senator.
Trump says in a written statement Monday that he has asked Vice President Mike Pence to speak at a ceremony honoring McCain at the Capitol on Friday.
The president also says he’s agreed to the McCain family’s request for military transportation of McCain’s remains from Arizona to Washington.
His statement reads:
“”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.”
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