Between the White House flags remaining at half-staff for the minimum amount of time required by U.S. flag code, the terse check-the-box-and-move-on presidential tweet, and no further statement from the White House, it is clear that the Trump White House wants to do the bare minimum to mark the passing of John McCain.
White House flag no longer at half-staff days after death of John McCainhttps://t.co/EwP006Siwa pic.twitter.com/DDgS3f4X3r
— ABC 7 News – WJLA (@ABC7News) August 27, 2018
What would President Trump lose through a more effusive praise for Senator McCain’s life, service, and sacrifices? Would anyone seriously construe it as an endorsement of McCain’s past criticism, an admission of guilt, or some other serious concession?
If Trump feels he isn’t being given the full demonstrations of respect that he feels he is due in his office, perhaps the reaction of others reflects how rarely he makes full demonstrations of respect to others.
UPDATE: Around 4 p.m. this afternoon, Trump did offer a longer, appropriate statement about McCain:
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.