According to reports, if Melania Trump had her way, her husband and the current president would have sat down with a talented speechwriter for a heartfelt and eloquent tribute to Senator John McCain who sadly passed away at the age of 81 in his Arizona home over the weekend.
Instead, President Donald Trump fired a quick tweet after the passing of the American hero and failed to mention the fact that the Republican “Maverick” dedicated several decades of his life to this great nation.
The former reality TV star and now leader of the free world, in a brief tweet, sent out the typical thought and prayer message to the McCain family.
For context, Obama ordered the flag lowered for five days when Sen. Kennedy died. That said, Obama lowered the flag more than his predecessors. https://t.co/7FKNCnBJBx https://t.co/tjPVJe6gZF
— HansNichols (@HansNichols) August 27, 2018
According to Hollywood Life: “Melania had arranged for some beautiful white lilies and roses to be sent to Cindy McCain upon learning the sad news of John’s death, along with a card expressing her condolences. Melania urged Donald to work with a speechwriter to compose a touching tribute to John, but he declined, claiming it would come across as phony given their highly contentious relationship before his passing.”
The publication went on to say: “So, instead Donald fired off a token tweet, purely so he couldn’t be accused of ignoring John’s death completely.”
Trump’s wife took it upon herself to personalize the message she shared on the social media channels about the late politician.
The first lady tweeted: “Our thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathy to the McCain Family. Thank you, Senator McCain, for your service to the nation.”
The Washington Post is reporting that several White House staff members including Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Chief of Staff John F. Kelly, and other aides worked on a statement that called the late politician a hero and mentioned his many accomplishments.
The tribute praised McCain, who was a Vietnam POW and had a lengthy presence in the Senate, but POTUS declined to use the written statement and went straight for Twitter.
My deepest sympathies and respect go out to the family of Senator John McCain. Our hearts and prayers are with you!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 26, 2018
Many Americans, even a few at Fox News, are baffled by the fact that the president refused to make an effort in recognizing that the late senator was indeed a respected hero who leaves behind an impressive legacy.
Moreover, Mr. Trump has made a few people furious after it was discovered early Monday morning that the White House is no longer flying the American flag at half-staff in honor of McCain.
