Trump Finally Caves to Mounting Pressure and Releases Half-Hearted Statement on John McCain's Death

Even President Donald Trump sometimes changes course after realizing the vast majority of the country is against him.

On Monday afternoon, the White House finally released a statement from the president recognizing the military service of the late Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) who died Saturday night. Trump had repeatedly refused calls to put out a statement in honor of McCain, with whom the president had long quarreled.

But even the statement itself was weak, thoughtless, and essentially petty. It even began with a statement distancing himself from McCain politically.

Read the full statement below:

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.