The US government has decided that American flags will fly at full-staff during Donald Trump's upcoming inauguration on January 20. This decision comes in the wake of former President Jimmy Carter's death on December 29, 2024, which initially prompted a federal mandate to lower flags to half-staff in his honor. Despite the tradition of flying flags at half-staff following the death of a former president, an exception has been made for Trump's inauguration.
House Speaker Mike Johnson announced the decision to change the flag status, ensuring that flags at the US Capitol will fly at full-staff for the inauguration. This move aligns with precedent, as flags also flew at full-staff during Trump's first inauguration in 2017, despite similar circumstances.
"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.”
— Mike Johnson
This decision has sparked reactions from various political spheres. Trump expressed his displeasure at the initial possibility of flags remaining at half-staff during his swearing-in ceremony. He accused Democrats of being pleased by the prospect of half-mast flags overshadowing his inauguration.
"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,”
— Donald Trump
The US flag code mandates that flags be flown at half-staff for 30 days after a former president's death, a tradition that serves as a mark of respect. Joe Biden ordered this protocol to be followed after Carter's passing. However, historical precedent exists for exceptions; in 1973, flags were at half-staff during Richard Nixon's inauguration due to Harry Truman's death.
Trump's inauguration events are set to proceed with full staff flags, illustrating a break from tradition in response to contemporary political dynamics. The decision reflects a desire to maintain a celebratory atmosphere for the incoming administration.