Orrin Hatch thinks it's 'ridiculous' McCain doesn't want Trump at his funeral

(Image credit: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

last updated 8 May 2018

Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) has appointed himself the arbiter of all guest lists, and he isn't happy that Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) doesn't want the man who mocked him for being a POW at his own funeral.

Hatch said it's "ridiculous" that McCain, who is battling an aggressive form of brain cancer, has reportedly said he would like President Trump to stay away from his funeral, preferring Vice President Mike Pence attend. "Well, he's the president of the United States and he's a very good man," Hatch said on Monday. "But it's up to [McCain]. I think John should have his own wishes fulfilled with regard to who attends the funeral." Presumably, McCain is super grateful for Hatch's blessing.

Hatch wasn't finished gabbing about McCain, revealing that he has been told McCain, who is at home in Arizona, won't return to the Senate. "I hope he does," Hatch said. "I hope he can." Later, a spokesman for Hatch told CNN he spoke "out of turn about Sen. McCain's status. He's been pleased to hear reports that Sen. McCain is in good spirits and hopes to see him back in Washington soon." Hatch, 84, is retiring at the end of this year, giving him tons of free time to spread more rumors and critique funeral plans.

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Catherine Garcia has worked as a senior writer at The Week since 2014. Her writing and reporting have appeared in Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times, Wirecutter, NBC News and "The Book of Jezebel," among others. She's a graduate of the University of Redlands and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.

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