Trump offers condolences, orders flags at half-staff to honor Dingell

President Trump on Friday ordered U.S. flags to fly at half-staff in honor of the late Rep. John Dingell (D-Mich.), who passed away a day earlier at the age of 92.

Trump said in a proclamation that flags will be lowered at all federal buildings, military posts and diplomatic facilities until sunset on Saturday “as a mark of respect for the memory and long standing service” of Dingell, who was the longest-serving member of Congress in U.S. history.

{mosads}The Michigan Democrat died on Thursday after a long battle with cancer. He retired from Congress in 2014 after a six-decade career in the House that included a long stint as chairman of the powerful Energy and Commerce Committee.

“Deepest sympathies to Congresswoman Debbie Dingell and the entire family of John Dingell. Longest serving Congressman in Country’s history which, if people understand politics, means he was very smart. A great reputation and highly respected man,” Trump tweeted later Friday.

Deepest sympathies to Congresswoman Debbie Dingell and the entire family of John Dingell. Longest serving Congressman in Country’s history which, if people understand politics, means he was very smart. A great reputation and highly respected man.

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 8, 2019

Trump provoked controversy in August when he waited two days after the death of Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) to lower flags to half-staff at the White House. Like McCain, Dingell was a vocal critic of the president.

Updated at 3:16 p.m.