White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders on Sunday called Sen. John McCain John Sidney McCainAnalysis: Biden victory, Democratic sweep would bring biggest boost to economy The Memo: Trump's strengths complicate election picture Mark Kelly: Arizona Senate race winner should be sworn in 'promptly' MORE (R-Ariz.) an American hero and said she would definitely attend the senator’s funeral.

“Absolutely,” Sanders said when a TMZ reporter asked her if she would attend the Senate giant's funeral.

ADVERTISEMENT

“He was an American hero,” Sanders continued, calling

McCain’s death Saturday evening

“a great loss for our country.”

Sanders’s comments came after President Trump Donald John TrumpSteele Dossier sub-source was subject of FBI counterintelligence probe Pelosi slams Trump executive order on pre-existing conditions: It 'isn't worth the paper it's signed on' Trump 'no longer angry' at Romney because of Supreme Court stance MORE reportedly nixed plans for a White House statement praising McCain, instead issuing a more neutral tweet of condolences.

My deepest sympathies and respect go out to the family of Senator John McCain. Our hearts and prayers are with you! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 25, 2018

The president had previously said that McCain, who survived torture in a North Vietnamese POW camp, is not a war hero.

After facing criticism of his response, the president on Monday somewhat changed his tone on the late senator.

After the White House re-lowered the flag to half-mast on Monday afternoon, Trump issued a new statement saying that despite "difference on policy and politics" he respects McCain's "service to our country" and stating he has asked Vice President Pence to deliver remarks at a ceremony on Friday.

Unlike Sanders, the president has confirmed he will not be attending McCain’s funeral.