White House Flag Changes Positions for a 3rd Time

After being lowered then raised, it's lowered once more
By Kate Seamons,  Newser Staff
Posted Aug 28, 2018 12:30 AM CDT
Updated Aug 28, 2018 3:03 AM CDT
White House Flag Is Lowered a 2nd Time
The American flag files at half-staff at the White House, Monday afternoon, Aug. 27, 2018, in Washington.   (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

The White House flag had a more tumultuous start to the week than typical, having been lowered to half-staff on Saturday in the wake of Sen. John McCain's death, then raised back up on Monday in keeping with the US flag code but to an outcry from the media and others who felt a flag proclamation from President Trump was in order. After lowering the flag once more, that proclamation came Monday afternoon; Reuters describes it as being issued in a "delayed" manner, noting that presidents typically take their cue from Congress when a high-profile lawmaker dies. NPR has President Trump's statement: "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," which is Saturday.

NPR details the groups who implored the president to make the move, including the American Legion and the veterans group AMVETS; Politico has comments from Republican senators on the issue. ABC News reports its chief White House correspondent, Jonathan Karl, was a man on a mission of sorts on Monday, asking the president nearly a dozen questions about McCain and receiving no reply. Trump eventually spoke about the senator while meeting with evangelical leaders at the White House on Monday night. "Our hearts and prayers are going to the family of Senator John McCain ... and we very much appreciate everything Senator McCain has done for our country." (More John McCain stories.)

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