Senate

Flake offers rare praise for Trump on Bush comments: ‘Well said, Mr President’

President Trump received praise from Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), a longtime critic, over his tweet regarding former President George H.W. Bush’s funeral Wednesday.

“Well said, Mr President,” Flake wrote in response to Trump’s tweet.

“Looking forward to being with the Bush family,” Trump had tweeted. “This is not a funeral, this is a day of celebration for a great man who has led a long and distinguished life. He will be missed!”

{mosads}Despite his previous disagreements with the Bush family, Trump has been gracious following George H.W. Bush’s death last Friday.

As noted in his tweet, the president visited with the Bush family Tuesday.

He also closed the federal government Wednesday, declaring it a day of mourning.

Trump and his wife Melania are attendinng Bush’s funeral Wednesday at the National Cathedral.

Vice President Pence praised Bush in a speech memorializing him Tuesday.

“President Bush was a great leader who made a great difference in the life of this nation,” he said. “But he was also just a good man who was devoted to his wife, his family and his friends.”

“His faith sustained him throughout his life of service,” he said. “And we pray that faith will be a source of comfort for all those who mourn the loss of this good man and great American.”

“His example will always inspire and his lifetime of service will be enshrined in the hearts of the American people forever.”