President Trump called Jeb Bush “low energy” during his campaign for the Republican nomination PABLO MARTINEZ MONSIVAIS/APPresident Trump will not attend the funeral service for Barbara Bush this weekend, in a tacit admission that his rift with the Republican party’s pre-eminent political dynasty has not healed. Four former US presidents — George H W Bush, George W Bush, Barack Obama and Bill Clinton — will be present to honour Mrs Bush at St Martin’s Episcopal Church in Houston on Saturday. Mr Trump will not make the journey, sending his wife Melania to Texas. The White House described it as an attempt to “avoid disruptions”. Mrs Bush, affectionately known as “America’s grandmother”, died aged 92 from heart failure on Tuesday, prompting Mr Trump to describe her as “an outstanding and memorable woman of character.

Source: The Times April 20, 2018 15:56 UTC