Donald Trump's White House finally caves and releases a full statement about John McCain's death

The White House has finally released an official statement about the passing of Sen. John McCain (R-AZ).

President Donald Trump reportedly refused to allow the White House to make a statement in wake of the announcement of McCain's death. According to The Washington Post, Trump said he would send out a tweet instead. Indeed he did, saying he extended his "sympathies" to the family.

In wake of the death, Trump has drawn anger from both sides of the political aisle for refusing to honor the late senator. While the flags at the White House flew half-staff through Sunday, they were raised Monday, despite McCain not yet being laid to rest. Finally, late Monday afternoon, the flags were finally lowered.

The following anodyne statement was then released by the White House:

Despite our differences on policy and politics, I respect Senator John McCain’s service to our country and, in his honor, have signed a proclamation to fly the flag of the United States at half-staff until the day of his interment.

I have asked Vice President Mike Pence to offer an address at the ceremony honoring Senator McCain at the United States Capitol this Friday.

At the request of the McCain family, I have also authorized military transportation of Senator McCain’s remains from Arizona to Washington, D.C., military pallbearers and band support, and a horse and caisson transport during the service at the United States Naval Academy.

Finally, I have asked General John Kelly, Secretary James Mattis, and Ambassador John Bolton to represent my Administration at his services.