Orrin Hatch Is Sorry He Suggested Trump Should Be Allowed At John McCain's Funeral
Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) is apologizing for comments he made on Monday that Sen. John McCain’s (R-Ariz.) reported request to have Donald Trump stay away from his funeral is “ridiculous.”
Hatch pointed out that Trump is not only the president of the United States but also “a very good man.”
McCain, 81, was diagnosed with brain cancer last July and has been discussing his final plans, including his funeral. Former presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush have been asked to do eulogies, and Hatch suggested the 45th president should also give one.
“He would be a very interesting speaker and would do a good job for John,” Hatch told CNN.
Hatch changed his tune on Tuesday after McCain’s daughter, Meghan, called him out on ABC’s “The View.”
“I’d like everybody to take a collective breath and chill out on my dad for a second — especially Orrin Hatch,” she said on the show.
.@MeghanMcCain shares an update on her father Sen. John McCain as he fights brain cancer — saying he's having a "great recovery" and "making jokes: "I'd like everybody to take a collective breath and chill out on my dad for a second..." https://t.co/Vhegu08m1B pic.twitter.com/icc9pseeV8
— The View (@TheView) May 8, 2018
When Hatch heard this, he realized the error of his ways.
“I felt badly. I had spoken out of turn,” the Utah Republican told reporters, according to CNN. “I felt like I shouldn’t have said what I said.”
Hatch also sent a letter to McCain apologizing for butting in regarding the funeral plans and for suggesting that McCain would not return to the Senate, according to The Washington Post.
Hatch’s comments lauding the current president may have struck a nerve with McCain’s family, considering that in 2015, Trump dismissed McCain’s time as a prisoner of war in Vietnam by saying, “He’s a war hero because he was captured. I like people who weren’t captured.”
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Melania and I send our thoughts and prayers to Senator McCain, Cindy, and their entire family. pic.twitter.com/SO4XYgnyug
— President Trump (@POTUS) July 20, 2017
John McCain is an American hero & one of the bravest fighters I've ever known. Cancer doesn't know what it's up against. Give it hell, John.
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) July 20, 2017
John and I have been friends for 40 years. He's gotten through so much difficulty with so much grace. He is strong - and he will beat this.
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 20, 2017
John McCain is as tough as they come. Thinking of John, Cindy, their wonderful children, & their whole family tonight.
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) July 20, 2017
.@SenJohnMcCain is a hero to our Conference and a hero to our country. pic.twitter.com/Ld2lQH1mMn
— Leader McConnell (@SenateMajLdr) July 20, 2017
.@SenJohnMcCain has always been a warrior. It's who he is. All of us, not as Republicans or Democrats, but as Americans, are behind him. pic.twitter.com/B6iDpPultM
— Paul Ryan (@SpeakerRyan) July 20, 2017
.@SenJohnMcCain is a hero, a patriot and a fighter. I am privileged to call him a friend. Paul & I pray for his recovery and his family.
— Nancy Pelosi (@NancyPelosi) July 20, 2017
As he’s shown his entire life, don’t bet against John McCain. Best wishes to him for a swift recovery.
— Bill Clinton (@billclinton) July 20, 2017
Following is a statement by @GeorgeHWBush on @SenJohnMcCain. pic.twitter.com/x8kIStWz7p
— Jim McGrath (@jgm41) July 20, 2017
Hang in there @SenJohnMcCain. You're tough! You can beat this. Fight, fight, fight! I am proud to call you my friend.
— Gabrielle Giffords (@GabbyGiffords) July 20, 2017
To say @SenJohnMcCain is a fighter is an understatement. Time and time again, he has shown all of us how to be courageous under fire.
— Sen. Heidi Heitkamp (@SenatorHeitkamp) July 20, 2017
Counting on the legendary John McCain strength to give cancer its toughest fight ever. Rooting for you, dear friend.
— Ron Wyden (@RonWyden) July 20, 2017
Hey John! We can't wait to welcome you to the club. You got this! ❤️@SenJohnMcCain #cancersurvivors
— Claire McCaskill (@clairecmc) July 20, 2017
I love @SenJohnMcCain. Unbeatable, unbreakable. He's Teddy Roosevelt's "man in the arena" even when we're on opposite sides. God bless. pic.twitter.com/0sBY4QynWp
— John Kerry (@JohnKerry) July 20, 2017
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This article originally appeared on HuffPost.