The New York Times has informed that the plan for Senator McCain’s funeral doesn’t include US President Donald Trump’s attendance. People close to McCain have informed the White House that Vice President Mike Pence is to pay final respects on behalf of the White House instead. The ceremony will be held in Washington’s National Cathedral.
McCain was diagnosed with brain cancer, or glioblastoma, in 2017 amid heated debates about replacing Obamacare. Later he told CBS News in an interview that doctors had told him that there was only a 14% chance that his treatment would yield a successful outcome. The senator was reportedly released from hospital last week in stable condition after undergoing surgery for an infection.
A well-known 'maverick' of GOP politics, John McCain, has held his US Senate seat, representing Arizona, since 1987. He launched a presidential campaign in 2000, ultimately losing the Republican nomination to George W. Bush. His party nominated him when he ran again in 2008, but he was defeated by Barack Obama.
Even in the memoir “The Restless Wave,” McCain refers to as his last book, which is to be released this month, the politician slams Trump for his stance on refugee policy and fake news.
“He seems uninterested in the moral character of world leaders and their regimes. The appearance of toughness or a reality show facsimile of toughness seems to matter more than any of our values. Flattery secures his friendship, criticism his enmity,” the passage on Trump reads, according to the New York Times.
Uneasiness between the two has been intensifying since 2016, when Donald Trump attacked McCain, one of the country's most well-known Vietnam prisoners of war, saying that he was considered a hero only "because he was captured." Then candidate Trump added “I like people who weren’t captured.”
READ MORE: Trump's Shift on Assad Gives Hope to Syria, Prompts McCain's Resentment
Twitter comments point out that the conflict between the two is evidence of a crisis in the GOP.
Wanna know how bad it’s gotten for the GOP…McCain told Trump to not attend his funeral.
— Billy Baldwin (@BillyBaldwin) 6 мая 2018 г.
McCain… a decorated war hero has over 30 years in the Senate.
For a fellow Repub to smack down a sitting President like this is unprecedented.
The GOP as we know it… is dead.#TrumpEffect pic.twitter.com/9XO47Jhi33
A huge break with tradition, as the White House has been informed that the president would not be welcome at Senator John McCain's eventual memorial services. Trump has repeatedly attacked McCain, including his military service. https://t.co/Sq4K577Npl
— Joy Reid (@JoyAnnReid) 5 мая 2018 г.
Some stress that this is just another big moment, Trump isn’t welcomed at.
No one wants Trump at their funeral. First Barbara Bush, now John McCain…and no one will come to Trump's funeral except his kids or paid staff.
— Red (@Redpainter1) 6 мая 2018 г.
No one wants Trump around unless he pays them. He is that despicable.
John McCain doesn't want trump at his funeral.
— Augustus 11 (@Augustus709) 6 мая 2018 г.
The Royal Couple in England doesn't want trump at their wedding.
The Bushes were relieved trump didn't show up at Barbara's funeral.
No one wants trump near an important moment in their lives.
I feel utterly ashamed he's POTUS. https://t.co/BLHPg6KK3c
Others just praise McCain for his decision.
Ok I admit John McCain was not my favorite, but even when he ran against Obama, I at least had respect for the man. His choice in running mates, nor so much. That being said, now that Trump is here, McCain has won me over. He is a man of honor and bravery.
— MK Genest 🌊 (@MKGenest) 6 мая 2018 г.
John McCain has requested President Obama give the eulogy at his funeral. Truly touching. He’s also requested Trump not attend, unless it’s alongside him in the ground.
— Rehan (@rehanismynameo) 6 мая 2018 г.
Some have found the move trivial.
Obama and Bush are going to give eulogies at McCains funeral.
— Jordan Sather (@Jordan_Sather_) 6 мая 2018 г.
But McCain doesn’t want Trump there.
Hahahaha is this high school?
