Trump expected to remain tight-lipped at Bush funeral
Ex-president to lie in state before service Wednesday
WASHINGTON— President Donald Trump will attend but not speak at this week’s funeral service for former president George H.W. Bush, seemingly a compromise intended to respect tradition while avoiding an awkward moment given the animosity between the current president and the Bush family.
The decision emerged as Bush made his final trip to the nation’s capital, carried here from Texas by the blue-and-white presidential jet that took him around a world that he helped transform. His coffin, covered in a flag, arrived at the Capitol as the rays of the setting sun washed over the plaza while family and friends stood solemnly during a 21-gun salute.
U.S. Vice-President Mike Pence and the Republican leaders of Congress gave short speeches welcoming Bush’s relatives and associates to the Rotunda of the Capitol, where the former president will lie in state until Wednesday morning’s funeral service at Washington National Cathedral. The public will have the opportunity to cycle through the Capitol today to pay respects.
Trump was not at the ceremony, but organizers expected him and the first lady, Melania Trump, to visit last night after the Bush family departed. On hand at the ceremony were former president George W. Bush, former governor Jeb Bush of Florida and their siblings, Neil, Marvin and Doro, as well as their spouses and a number of grandchildren.
Members of Bush’s administration, including James Baker, Dick Cheney, Colin Powell, John Sununu and others stood waiting for the coffin’s arrival and then entered the Capitol for the ceremony. Among others attending were a half-dozen members of the Supreme Court, including Justice Clarence Thomas, who was appointed by Bush.
“Throughout his life of service, president Bush personified grace,” said House Speaker Paul Ryan. “He reached the heights of power with uncommon humility. He made monumental contributions to freedom with a fundamental decency that resonates across generations. No one better harmonized the joy of life and the duty of life.”