Trump finally issues grudging praise for John McCain after growing pressure

US PRESIDENT Donald Trump has relented under pressure by recognising the late senator John McCain’s “service to our country” and lowering the White House flag again as a mark of respect.

While many Americans remembered Mr McCain’s record as a war hero, a long-serving senator and as a presidential nominee after his death at the age of 81, Mr Trump had nursed his grievances.

The president’s reluctance to participate in the national remembrance for Mr McCain, who was severely beaten while a prisoner of war over a number of years in Vietnam, was awkward and uncomfortable, even by the standards of a leader who acknowledges he does not act like a typical president.

President Trump is said to have evaded military service five time during the 1960s, on one occasion blaming ‘bone spurs’.

The episode has also highlighted Mr Trump’s tendency to harbour personal resentments.

Before Mr Trump’s statement on Monday afternoon, his only commentary on Mr McCain’s death had been a perfunctory tweet on Saturday.

The lack of a formal statement – combined with the fact that White House flags were flown at half-staff only briefly – drew strong criticism from Republicans and veterans’ groups as well as Democrats.

When he finally did comment in a printed statement, Mr Trump was sparing in his praise for the six-term senator: “Despite our differences on policy and politics, I respect Senator John McCain’s service to our country.”

Later, at an evening dinner honouring evangelical leaders, the president said “our hearts and prayers” are going to the family “and we very much appreciate everything that senator McCain has done for our country”.

An upcoming celebration of Mr McCain’s life is likely to bring new awkwardness. Former presidents will speak at McCain’s funeral on Saturday, but the senator’s family has made it clear they do not want Mr Trump to attend.