Outgoing Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, apologized Tuesday for calling Sen. John McCain's, R-Ariz., decision to not invite President Donald Trump to his funeral "ridiculous" after McCain's daughter criticized him on her ABC show, The Washington Post reports.
"I agree with the daughter," he told the Post. "I shouldn't have said anything [Monday]. I agree a hundred percent with her."
Hatch also sent a letter to McCain personally apologizing for his comments. McCain is battling brain cancer and might not return to the Senate. He has reportedly requested Trump not attend his funeral and Vice President Mike Pence represent the White House instead.
Hatch, the senior member of the Senate, told Politico on Monday he wanted to see McCain change his mind.
"Well, he's the president of the United States and he's a very good man, but it's up to [McCain]," Hatch said. "I think John should have his own wishes fulfilled with regard to who attends the funeral."
Meghan McCain on Tuesday's "The View" rebuked Hatch.
"I'd like everybody to take a collective breath and chill out on my dad for a second, especially Orrin Hatch," she said.
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