Sen. Orrin Hatch said he thought keeping the president from Sen. John McCain's funeral was too much. | Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images Hatch to McCain: Invite Trump to your funeral

Sen. John McCain should reconsider his wish that President Donald Trump not attend McCain's funeral, said Sen. Orrin Hatch, the most senior GOP senator.

McCain prefers instead that Vice President Mike Pence attend his funeral rather than Trump, who has mocked McCain for being tortured and attacked him for voting against Obamacare repeal. But Hatch said he thought keeping the president from his funeral was too much: "I think it's ridiculous."


"Well, he's the president of the United States and he's a very good man. But it's up to [McCain]. I think John should have his own wishes fulfilled with regard to who attends the funeral," said the Utah senator. Asked whether McCain should change his mind about Trump, Hatch said: "I would."

Hatch said he does not expect McCain, who is battling brain cancer, to return to the Senate.

"That's what I've been told,” said Hatch, who is 84 and retiring after this year. “I don't know. I hope he does, I hope he can."

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After this story published, a spokesman for Hatch said the Utah lawmaker “spoke out of turn about Senator McCain’s status."

"He’s been pleased to hear reports that Senator McCain is in good spirits and hopes to see him back in Washington soon," said Matt Whitlock, the Hatch spokesman.