Tag: flag lowering

Trump re-lowers flag for McCain, expresses ‘respect’ after backlash

The following article by Jordan Fabian and Brett Samuels was posted on the Hill website August 27, 2018:

President Trump on Monday expressed “respect” for Sen. John McCain‘s (R-Ariz.) public service and ordered flags to fly at half-staff following a widespread criticism of his response to the Senate icon’s passing.

“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,” Trump said in a statement released by the White House.

Trump said he has asked Vice President Pence to speak at a memorial service for McCain at the Capitol on Friday and approved military transportation to move the senator’s body from Arizona to Washington, D.C.

View the complete article here.

Art of the Snub: So Far, Trump Opts Against Lowering Flags for McCain This Week

The following article by John T. Bennett was posted on the Roll Call website August 27, 2018:

President ordered flags at half-staff before

A slightly frayed flag flies at the Capitol in Washington fly at half staff on Sunday morning, after Sen. John McCain’s death. So far, President Donald Trump has opted against ordering U.S. flags to be lowered in McCain’s honor. Credit: Bill Clark, CQ Roll Call

President Donald Trump is continuing his feud with John McCain even after the senator’s death, so far opting against ordering U.S. flags to be lowered in honor of the longtime lawmaker. He often has acted quickly to honor other Americans.

Flags at the White House and even the Navy Memorial were at full staff on Monday. The flag  at the White House had been lowered to half-staff over the weekend. Thus far, Trump has not issued a proclamation ordering that U.S. flags be lowered beyond that.

The president reportedly rejected a statement drafted by senior White House aides Saturday night after McCain passed away that honored his decades of service, including his time as a tortured prisoner during the Vietnam War. Instead, he issued a brief tweet offering condolences for the McCain family — but offered no words about McCain’s Navy or congressional careers.

View the complete article here.