WASHINGTON — The flag flying at the White House was back at full staff Monday morning after being lowered over the weekend for the death of Sen. John McCain.

Then in the afternoon, it was lowered again to half staff, and the White House issued a statement from the president regarding McCain.

"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."

There's been widespread criticism on social media regarding the White House's decision to bring the flag back up to full staff Monday. 

The American Legion issued a statement Monday urging the president to follow longtime protocol regarding the deaths of prominent government officials, issue a proper proclamation honoring Sen. McCain's heroism, and order the nation's flags be flown at half-staff.

 

According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, the flag should be flown at half-staff "at all federal buildings, grounds and naval vessels in the Washington, D.C., area on the day and day after the death of a United States senator, representative, territorial delegate, or the resident commissioner from the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. It should also be flown at half-staff on all federal facilities in the state, congressional district, territory, or commonwealth of these officials."

However, a presidential proclamation can allow the flag to stay at half-staff longer.

Flags at the U.S. Capitol were still at half-staff Monday morning for McCain, the Arizona senator who died Saturday afternoon after being diagnosed last year with a glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer. The Associated Press says that after Sen. Ted Kennedy died, President Barack Obama ordered White House flags at half-staff for five days.

The top Senate leaders of both parties, Sen. Mitch McConnell and Sen. Chuck Schumer, formally requested flags at all govenrment buildings remain at half-staff in McCain's honor through his internment.

President Donald Trump, who had famously feuded with McCain, tweeted condolences, saying that "hearts and prayers" are with the McCain family. 

President Trump ignored repeated requests for comment about McCain at three news events Monday.

The White House hasn't immediately responded for a request for comment on the flag.

Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.