President Trump on Monday afternoon issued an order for the White House flag to be flown at half-staff in honor of John McCain and released a statement in regard to the Senator’s passing.

President Trump on Monday afternoon issued a proclamation that the flags at the White House and myriad other US government locations are to fly at half-staff in honor of John McCain and released a statement in regard to the senator's passing.  The order came after considerable criticism over the White House returning its flag to full staff on Monday morning, having lowered it over the weekend after McCain's death was announced.  CBS News White House Correspondent Mark Knoller was among the first to report the breach in tradition, writing in a tweet, "Pres Trump did not issue proclamation on the death of @SenJohnMcCain, which usually calls for flags to remain at half-staff through the day of interment, which is Sunday at the @NavalAcademy."  Later in the day, ABC News Chief White House Correspondent Jonathan Karl announced via Twitter, "In the Oval Office just now I asked @realDonaldTrump if he had any thoughts on the legacy on John McCain. He heard me but did not answer." The president has since released a statement.  "Despite our differences on policy and politics, I respect Senator John McCain's service to our country," it reads, in part. "I have asked Vice President Mike Pence to offer an address at the ceremony honoring Senator McCain at the United States Capitol this Friday."  Trump adds: "I have asked General John Kelly, Secretary James Mattis, and Ambassador John Bolton to represent my Administration at his services."