WATCH: Trump Declines To Answer Questions About McCain, Sits Silently With Arms Crossed

WATCH: Trump Declines To Answer Questions About McCain, Sits Silently With Arms Crossed

At the end of an announcement of a potential trade deal with Mexico that could end up changing parts of NAFTA — something the president WAY oversold — President Donald Trump as asked by reporters if he had any thoughts on the passing of Sen. John McCain (R-AZ).

And he said nothing, instead sitting at his desk glaring forward with his arms crossed.

Trump’s deafening silence on the passing of the former Republican standard-bearer and war hero comes on the heels of reports that the president nixed an official White House statement that would have praised McCain’s life and heroism, preferring just to send out a brief tweet that didn’t include any kind words for the late senator.

This was followed by the White House’s decision to raise its American flag to full-staff on Monday morning, less than 48 hours after McCain’s death, causing widespread and bipartisan outrage.

This wasn’t the only time on Monday that the president refused to answer any questions about the passing of the iconic lawmaker. While sitting with the Kenyan president for a photo-op hours later, Trump again remained silent while reporters pressed him.

ABC News’ Cecilia Vega noted that Trump had been asked at least 11 times by mid-afternoon about McCain:

UPDATE 4:16 PM ET: The president eventually released another statement in which he said he respected McCain’s service despite their “differences on policy and politics” and the White House re-lowered its flag to half-staff.

Watch the clip above, via CNN.

Justin Baragona

Justin Baragona is the founder/publisher of Contemptor and a contributor to The Daily Beast. He was previously the Cable News Correspondent for Mediaite and prior to starting Contemptor, he worked on the editorial staff of PoliticusUSA. During that time, he had his work quoted by USA Today and BBC News, among others. Justin began his published career as a political writer for 411Mania. He resides in St. Louis, MO with his wife and pets.

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