House Speaker Mike Johnson announced on Tuesday that flags at the U.S. Capitol would be raised to full-staff on Inauguration Day, temporarily halting the 30-day flag-lowering order issued after the death of former President Jimmy Carter.
The Republican leader’s decision ensures that President-elect Donald Trump will not take the oath of office for his second term under a half-staff flag, a situation he had previously criticized.
This decision aligns with recent actions by several Republican governors, who announced that flags in their states would also be raised on Inauguration Day to honor Trump’s second term, while committing to relower them on January 21 in observance of Carter’s passing.
Among those governors are North Dakota’s Kelly Armstrong, Florida’s Ron DeSantis, Alabama’s Kay Ivey, Tennessee’s Bill Lee, Iowa’s Kim Reynolds, and Texas’ Greg Abbott. Abbott made his announcement a day earlier, on Monday..
Federal Flag-Lowering Guidelines
The 30-day flag-lowering period was initiated by President Joe Biden following Carter’s death. This directive applies to flags at federal government buildings, U.S. embassies, military installations, and other facilities both domestically and abroad, lasting until January 28. Governors across the country followed suit, issuing similar orders for flags within their states.
Trump Inauguration (Photo: AP)
Trump’s Response to the Flag Issue
Trump has expressed frustration about the possibility of flags being lowered during his inauguration, suggesting he might reverse Biden’s order upon assuming office on January 20.
“Democrats are all ‘giddy’ about the notion that flags will be lowered on Inauguration Day,” Trump wrote on social media on January 3.
“Nobody wants to see this,” he continued. “No American can be happy about it. Let’s see how it plays out. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
Actions Taken by Trump and Others
Trump has already taken steps regarding flags under his direct control. At his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, a large U.S. flag was observed flying at full-staff shortly after Carter’s burial, despite Florida Governor Ron DeSantis maintaining Biden’s flag order.
DeSantis, as of Tuesday, had not adjusted his state’s flag directive.
Flag Code Guidelines
The U.S. Flag Code provides clear instructions for lowering flags to half-staff, including a 30-day mourning period for current or former presidents. This directive encompasses federal buildings, grounds, U.S. embassies, military installations, and vessels, ensuring a consistent display of respect across the nation.
