Former President Jimmy Carter criticized President Trump for his initial reaction to the death of Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., but said Trump righted his wrong, and that was what mattered.
“I thought that President Trump made a mistake at first by not recognizing John McCain’s unquestioned commitment to our country in the Navy and as a prisoner of war and also in his service in Congress. And I think both his critics and also his supporters made it plain to him that he had made a mistake when the flag was up and down and so forth,” Carter told Fox News host Neil Cavuto on Fox Business Tuesday afternoon.
Former President Jimmy Carter: “I thought President Trump made a mistake at first by not recognizing John McCain’s unquestioned commitment to our country… I think the early mistakes that were made have been adequately corrected.” pic.twitter.com/Tznhmq8iMp
— FOX Business (@FoxBusiness) August 28, 2018
“But I think that his last statement that I read yesterday has basically corrected that and now the flag will be lowered in honor of John McCain’s service to our country until the appropriate time. So, I think the early mistakes that had been made have been adequately corrected,” added Carter, a Democrat.
After McCain’s death last Saturday, Trump issued a statement on Twitter in memory of McCain. However, his comment stopped short of calling the Arizona Republican a “hero,” as senior White House officials had recommended Trump refer to McCain.
“My deepest sympathies and respect go out to the family of Senator John McCain. Our hearts and prayers are with you!” Trump wrote.
On Monday, the White House issued a new statement calling McCain a “hero” for his service in the Vietnam War. He also ordered flags to be lowered back to half-staff after having lowered then raised them over the weekend.
