President Trump orders American flags in the US and around the world lowered to half staff in honor of Rep Elijah Cummings who died today,

American flags across the country and around the world will be flown at half-staff in honor of Elijah E Cummings after the senior Democrat died aged 68.  

Cummings, who served as chair of the House Oversight and Reform Committee, passed away of 'complications concerning longstanding health challenges' in hospice care at Johns Hopkins Hospital in his hometown of Baltimore at 2.45am on Thursday, his office said.

Dozens of tributes have poured out from politicians on both sides of the aisle honoring the 13-term representative from Maryland who was known on Capitol Hill for his commanding presence, fierce resolve and unwavering commitment to preserving democracy. 

Cummings' wife of 11 years Maya Rockeymoore led the tributes to her late husband.  'Congressman Cummings was an honorable man who proudly served his district and the nation with dignity, integrity, compassion and humility,' the 48-year-old chairwoman of the Maryland Democratic Party said.