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U.S. Flags to Remain at Half-Staff During Trump’s Inauguration, And He Isn’t Happy About It 

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WASHINGTON, DC, USA — As the United States of America prepares for the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump on January 20, an unusual situation has arisen concerning the tradition of flying U.S. flags at half-staff.

The death of former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away on December 29, 2024, at the age of 100, has prompted a 30-day national mourning period during which flags are to be flown at half-staff—a period that includes Inauguration Day.

The directive, issued by President Joe Biden, follows a 1954 proclamation by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, which specifies a 30-day period of mourning for the death of a current or former U.S. president.

Biden described the order as “an expression of public sorrow” in honour of Carter, whose state funeral is scheduled for January 9 at the Washington National Cathedral.

Carter’s body will lie in state at the Capitol Rotunda from January 7 to January 9, with ceremonies having commenced in Plains, Georgia, on January 4.

Jimmy Carter
Former US President Carter is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo, Norway, in December 2002. He was recognized for his many years of public service, and in his acceptance speech he urged others to work for peace. | Arne Knudsen/Getty Images

Trump Responds

President-elect Trump, while paying tribute to Carter on his Truth Social platform, also expressed concern about the timing of the flag-lowering mandate.

“While I strongly disagreed with him philosophically and politically, I also realized that he truly loved and respected our Country,” Trump wrote.

“He worked hard to make America a better place, and for that, I give him my highest respect.”

However, Trump criticised the continuation of half-staff flags during his inauguration, claiming it sends the wrong message.

“In any event, because of the death of President Jimmy Carter, the Flag may, for the first time ever during an Inauguration of a future President, be at half mast,” Trump wrote.

“Nobody wants to see this, and no American can be happy about it. Let’s see how it plays out.”

Historical Context

This is not the first time that flags have remained at half-staff during a presidential inauguration.

When President Richard Nixon was inaugurated for his second term on January 20, 1973, flags were already lowered to honour former President Harry S. Truman, who died on December 26, 1972.

Nixon later temporarily raised the flags for a single day to mark the release of American prisoners of war in Vietnam, a decision made as a gesture of respect.

During a White House press briefing, Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was asked if the Biden administration might reconsider the directive in light of Trump’s objections. Jean-Pierre firmly responded, “No.”

Options for the New Administration

Once inaugurated, Trump could choose to override Biden’s proclamation and raise the flags.

However, such an action would break with the tradition of observing the full mourning period for a deceased president.

The situation is reminiscent of 2018, when Trump faced criticism after flags at federal buildings were briefly raised sooner than expected following Senator John McCain’s death.

For now, the White House remains steadfast in its position.

Carter’s funeral and tributes continue to dominate headlines, ensuring that his legacy as a statesman and humanitarian is commemorated even as the country prepares to turn a new political chapter.

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