Ex-White House Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci said Thursday he wasn't surprised by President Donald Trump's behavior following the death of Sen. John McCain last weekend, but he is "disappointed" and considers it a "slap" to other veterans.
"I disagree with it," Scaramucci told CNN's "New Day." "John McCain was a veteran. He served the country with distinction, he’s a war hero and — whether he was captured or not doesn’t really make a difference, he is a war hero — and you have to honor him the way you would honor other veterans."
He said he is happy the decision to put the flag at the White House back at half-staff was made, after the flag initially was raised back to full staff shortly after the Arizona Republican's death.
"I put my flag at half-staff, and others should too," said Scaramucci. "The White House shouldn't...forget about Sen. McCain. Sometimes the symbolism coming out of the Oval Office and the White House is for all Americans."
Trump was widely criticized on Monday after the White House flags went back to full staff, less than 48 hours after McCain died. Trump also refused to answer questions from reporters about McCain during White House events Monday.
However, later in the day, Trump issued a proclamation about the flags, and expressed respect for the late senator's service.
Sandy Fitzgerald ✉
Sandy Fitzgerald has more than three decades in journalism and serves as a general assignment writer for Newsmax covering news, media, and politics.
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