The Bush family reportedly wants a funeral for former president George H.W. Bush that avoids anti-President Donald Trump sentiment.
The report comes after anti-Trump rhetoric was rampant during the funeral of Sen. John McCain several months ago.
Trump did not attend McCain’s funeral.
The president and First Lady Melania Trump plan to attend Bush’s funeral, likely with other members of Trump’s family and administration, to honor the 41st president of the United States.
Funeral Preparations
Some close to the Bush family said that the funeral would focus on Bush, not Trump.A close friend of the former president added that the Bush family is “unbelievably respectful of the office of the president” and the funeral “is not a political event.”
A third person, a former staffer for Bush, said that the family appreciates Trump attending the funeral.
“This will be about the celebration of the noble public service that George H.W. Bush gave. It’s not going to be about anybody else. I don’t think it’s going to be about Trump,” said the senior Bush White House staffer.
Trumps Visit Casket
Trump has praised and honored the elder Bush, arranging for Air Force One to transport Bush’s body to the nation’s Capitol and visiting the casket on Monday night.The president and his wife stood in front of the casket with their eyes closed before the 45th president saluted the casket and the pair exited the rotunda at the U.S. Capitol. Trump posted a video of the welcoming ceremony on his Twitter feed, and it’s received millions of views.
Bush’s body will be taken to the National Cathedral on Wednesday morning by motorcade.
Trump ordered federal offices closed on Wednesday for a national day of mourning.
“Fearless, courageous, adventurous, and unyielding, through the highs and lows of the twentieth century and into the next millennium, President Bush served his nation, creating an example that will inspire generations for decades to come.”