Updated Saturday morning with Trump tweeting about the event.
ST. LOUIS • Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump is set to speak briefly at the funeral for conservative icon Phyllis Schlafly on Saturday.
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Ed Martin, president of Schlafly’s organization, Eagle Forum, confirmed via text message that Trump will attend and speak. He couldn’t be reached for further comment.
Trump tweeted Saturday morning:
Will be in Missouri today with Melania for the funeral of a wonderful and truly respected woman, Phyllis S!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 10, 2016
The St. Louis stop wasn’t on Trump’s campaign schedule as of Saturday morning.
The funeral Mass is 2 p.m. Saturday at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis in the Central West End.
Organizers say the service should still be open to the public, but security will be heightened.
Conservative leaders and politicians nationwide released statements mourning the loss of Schlafly, who some called a trailblazer for the Republican Party.
Schlafly was a polarizing force in the political world. She spoke out against feminism and Communism, among other things. Earlier this year, she endorsed Trump for president.
She is survived by six children, 16 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.