United States President Donald Trump, after critics, has announced that the White House flag will be returned to half-staff on the sad demise of Senator John McCain.
The US president tweeted his condolences to the McCain family, but has not offered a tribute to the veteran’s life. Flags at some federal buildings were fully raised on Monday, far earlier than would normally be expected after such an event. The pair had a fractious relationship.
Trump appeared to repeatedly ignore media questions about the flag before announcing that it would be lowered again.
The president 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 his interment.