White House flags should have been at half-staff for a week to honor John McCain. They're already back up.

(Image credit: iStock/RoschetzkyIstockPhoto)

last updated 27 August 2018

President Trump was restrained in his condolences for the late Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) — and the White House itself was no different.

The White House lowered its flags to half-staff over the weekend, after McCain died Saturday. But on Monday morning, the flags were flying high once more, ABC News reports.

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Instead of a formal statement, Trump simply tweeted his "deepest sympathies" for McCain's family, writing that "our hearts and prayers are with you." The Washington Post reported that Trump even vetoed the idea of releasing a warmer statement that would have praised the senator. The White House, too, opted not to get sentimental, tweeting a straightforward image of McCain that included his date of birth and the date of his death. Summer Meza

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Summer Meza has worked at The Week since 2018, serving as a staff writer, a news writer and currently the deputy editor. As a proud news generalist, she edits everything from political punditry and science news to personal finance advice and film reviews. Summer has previously written for Newsweek and the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, covering national politics, transportation and the cannabis industry.

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