Flags at the US Capitol will fly at full-staff when Donald Trump is sworn in for his second term. This decision comes after a disagreement regarding the commemoration of former President Jimmy Carter. Carter passed away on December 29 at the age of 100.
Dispute Over Half-Staff Flag Protocol
Mike Johnson, Speaker of the US House of Representatives, announced that flags will fly at full-staff to mark Trump’s inauguration. He emphasized that flags would return to half-staff the following day to honor Carter. The dispute arose from the tradition of lowering flags to half-staff for 30 days after the death of a former president. Although President Joe Biden followed this custom, Trump criticized the move. He claimed that Democrats were using it to disrespect him.
Trump’s Response to the Situation
Trump took to social media to express his frustration. He accused Democrats of being “giddy” about Carter’s death. Trump said, “They think it’s so great, and are so happy about it because, in actuality, they don’t love our Country, they only think about themselves.” He also argued that this would be the first time flags were flown at half-mast during an incoming president’s inauguration. However, The Hill clarified that this claim was false, pointing out that flags were lowered during Nixon’s second inauguration in 1973 following Harry S. Truman’s death.
GOP Governors Show Support for Full-Staff Flags
Several Republican governors voiced support for Trump’s inauguration. They announced that flags would fly at full-staff in their states. Governors from Alabama, Florida, Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas backed the decision. Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen stated, “Having the flag at full staff symbolizes the respect to that office and our nation’s newly elected leader.”
In conclusion, flags at the Capitol will fly at full-staff to honor Trump’s inauguration. This gesture signifies respect for the office of the president and the newly elected leader, despite the ongoing dispute over the flag protocol.