Full Staff Flags to Celebrate Trump’s Inauguration
In a significant announcement on Tuesday, House Speaker Mike Johnson declared that the flags at the U.S. Capitol will be flown at full staff on Monday, January 20, to honor the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump. This decision is notable as it comes in opposition to a previously issued order by President Biden, who mandated that flags should remain at half-staff for a 30-day mourning period following the death of former President Jimmy Carter on December 29, 2023.
Flags to Honor the Nation’s Leadership
Speaker Johnson, a strong ally of Trump, emphasized in his statement the need to celebrate the unity of the nation during this historic event. “On January 20th, the flags at the Capitol will fly at full-staff to celebrate our country coming together behind the inauguration of our 47th President, Donald Trump. The flags will be lowered back to half-staff the following day to continue honoring President Jimmy Carter,” he stated.
Political Ramifications
Johnson’s firm stance reflects not only his support for Trump but also his political strategy to maintain unity among Republicans, particularly as he faced opposition from far-right factions regarding his re-election as speaker in the new Congress. Trump’s endorsement played a key role in diffusing that dissent within his party.
Trump himself has voiced his discontent regarding the half-staff flag policy. Earlier this month, he claimed via social media that “Democrats are all ‘giddy’” about the decision to keep flags at half-staff during his inauguration. “Nobody wants to see this,” Trump argued, advocating that no American could be pleased with the situation. He concluded with a resounding, “Let’s see how it plays out. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
Understanding the Flag Code
The U.S. flag code stipulates that flags are to be flown at half-staff for a 30-day period to commemorate the passing of current or former presidents. This directive applies to federal government buildings, military installations, and U.S. embassies globally. However, it is crucial to note that adherence to the flag code is not mandatory; thereby, Trump could technically choose to override it upon taking office.
State-Level Responses
This decision by Johnson at the federal level is echoed at the state level. Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced that flags at the Texas Capitol in Austin and all state office buildings would also be raised to full-staff on January 20 to celebrate Trump’s inauguration. This move reinforces the polarized responses to the flag protocols tied to the recent passing of President Carter.
Observations and Context
Amidst this political backdrop, the Associated Press noted that a flag at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, was observed flying at full height on Monday, shortly after the conclusion of Carter’s funeral services at the National Cathedral and his burial in Plains, Georgia.
The Broader Implications
The decision to raise flags to full-staff for Trump’s inauguration while simultaneously navigating the period of mourning for one of America’s beloved leaders highlights the complexities of U.S. political tradition and ceremonial protocols. As the nation gears up for the significant transition of power, the actions surrounding flag etiquette serve as a reflection of the current political climate—a landscape marked by division and fervent loyalty among party lines.
As the inauguration date approaches, all eyes will be on how this ceremony unfolds and the implications it holds for the unity of the nation amidst contrasting sentiments. Trump’s upcoming presidency heralds not only a new administration but also a fresh chapter in American governance, one decorated with both celebration and reflection.
Fox News’ Chad Pergram contributed to this report.
