House Speaker Mike Johnson announced on Tuesday that flags at the U.S. Capitol will be raised to full-staff during President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20. This decision temporarily pauses the 30-day half-staff period honoring former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away on December 29 at the age of 100. Johnson emphasized that the move is a celebration of national unity and the peaceful transfer of power. He stated that the flags would be lowered back to half-staff the day after the inauguration to continue honoring Carter’s legacy.
The U.S. Flag Code mandates that flags be flown at half-staff for 30 days following the death of a president or former president. President Joe Biden issued the order after Carter’s death, ensuring that all federal buildings, military installations, and embassies complied. However, Congress holds jurisdiction over the Capitol’s flags, allowing exceptions for significant events such as an inauguration.
President-elect Trump had previously expressed frustration over the overlap of Carter’s mourning period with his inauguration. On January 3, Trump criticized the situation on his social media platform, suggesting that it was a deliberate move by Democrats to overshadow his ceremony. He stated that the overlap was not something any American should be pleased about, hinting at a lack of fairness in the situation.
The decision to raise flags at the Capitol followed a request from Florida Republican Representative Cory Mills, who argued that the inauguration symbolizes a new administration and deserves recognition with flags at full-staff. In a letter to congressional leaders, Mills emphasized the importance of celebrating the peaceful transfer of power and ensuring that the incoming president’s inauguration is marked appropriately. Mills highlighted the need to avoid the optics of lowered flags during such a significant national event.
Governors of Republican-led states also supported the decision to raise flags. Texas Governor Greg Abbott ordered flags on state properties to fly at full-staff for the inauguration, noting the importance of balancing respect for Carter’s legacy with the celebration of new leadership. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued a similar directive, reinforcing the theme of unity and national pride during the inauguration.
The decision has sparked mixed reactions among lawmakers and the public. Supporters of Trump view the move as a necessary recognition of his inauguration and a celebration of democracy. Critics, however, argue that it detracts from the solemnity of the mourning period for Carter, a former president widely respected for his humanitarian work and advocacy for peace.
The Capitol’s decision to raise its flags reflects the complex interplay between tradition, respect, and the need to adapt to contemporary circumstances. As January 20 approaches, the raised flags will symbolize both the country’s respect for its past leaders and its optimism for the future. The decision serves as a reminder of the symbolic weight of such gestures in American politics, highlighting the delicate balance between honoring history and embracing change.