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Flags Ordered to Full-Staff for Trump’s Inauguration Amid Mourning for Carter
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has instructed that flags in the state be flown at full-staff on January 20 for the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump. This decision comes amid a national mourning period honoring former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away on December 29, 2024. Hochul emphasized the importance of observing Inauguration Day as a unifying event for all Americans, regardless of political affiliations.
“Tomorrow, we are all Americans as we observe the centuries-old traditions of Inauguration Day,” Hochul stated in a communication to the New York Post. She explained, “For that reason, I am directing flags to fly at full staff throughout the State of New York on January 20 and return to half-staff to honor the late President Carter on January 21.” Hochul highlighted the significance of the peaceful transfer of power, a hallmark of American democracy.
This directive from Hochul coincides with President Biden’s broader order, which directs that flags at all government and public buildings across the U.S. be displayed at half-staff during a 30-day mourning period following Carter’s passing. Biden specified that flags should be flown at half-staff “at the White House, all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on naval vessels” throughout the United States.
Democratic Leaders Align in Support of Full-Staff Flags for Trump
Hochul’s decision to raise flags aligns her with several other Democratic governors, including Gavin Newsom of California, Jared Polis of Colorado, and Bob Ferguson of Washington, who also opted for full-staff flags during the inauguration despite the ongoing mourning.
A 30-day mourning period for a former president is customary, following the precedent established over the years. The period will conclude on January 28, 2024, marking a significant moment in the nation’s history. This is not an isolated decision; several Republican governors—such as Idaho’s Brad Little, Florida’s Ron DeSantis, and Texas’s Greg Abbott—have also announced intentions to raise flags on inauguration day, with nearly 30 states participating in this decision, including an order from House Speaker Mike Johnson for the flags to fly at full staff at the U.S. Capitol.
Trump Voices Concern Over Flag Protocol
Despite the collective enthusiasm surrounding the inauguration, Trump has expressed concerns regarding the potential for flags to be displayed at half-staff due to Carter’s death. On his social media platform, Truth Social, he remarked on January 3 that some Democrats appeared “giddy” at the thought of flags at half-mast during the ceremony. He stated, “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 further criticized the state of the nation, attributing it to the actions of Democrats over the past four years, and expressed disdain over the idea of a flag at half-mast during his inauguration. Trump pointed out historical precedents, noting that flags were flown at half-staff during former President Nixon’s second inauguration in 1973 following the death of President Truman.
The upcoming inauguration marks a pivotal moment in American politics, emblematic of the traditions and controversies surrounding the transition of power, especially in the context of recent events.
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