White House flag lowered again in tribute to John McCain following criticism

The US flag over the White House has been lowered to half-staff again after criticism (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Credit: AP/Press Association Images

US President Donald Trump has said he respects John McCain’s “service to our country” and has signed a proclamation to fly the US flag at half-staff until the senator’s burial.

The flag at the top of the White House flew at half-staff over the weekend but was raised on Monday and then lowered again amid criticism.

Mr Trump and Mr McCain have feuded for years. Mr Trump tweeted about Mr McCain after his death on Saturday but has passed up several chances to comment publicly on the Arizona senator.

Mr Trump said in a written statement on Monday that he has asked vice president Mike Pence to speak at a ceremony honouring Mr McCain at the capitol on Friday.

The president also says he has agreed to the McCain family’s request for military transportation of Mr McCain’s remains from Arizona to Washington.