On Tuesday, House Speaker Mike Johnson announced that the flags at the U.S. Capitol will be raised to full height on Inauguration Day, temporarily suspending a flag-lowering directive that was put in place following the passing of former President Jimmy Carter.
This decision from the Republican leader means that President-elect Donald Trump will be sworn in for his second term under flags that are at full staff, which he had previously expressed concerns about. Several Republican governors have also recently declared their intent to raise flags on Inauguration Day to signify Trump’s upcoming term.
Governors from North Dakota, Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, and Iowa announced that flags in their states would be returned to full height on Inauguration Day, explaining that U.S. flags would be lowered again on January 21 to honor Carter. Texas Governor Greg Abbott had similarly issued a notice regarding this on the day before.
The 30-day period of flag-lowering was initiated by an order from President Joe Biden, affecting flags displayed at federal buildings and U.S. embassies, including military installations and vessels, running through January 28. This period coincides with Trump’s inauguration and his first week in office, leading state governors across the nation to issue their own regulations concerning flags in their states.
Trump has shared his frustration regarding the possibility of flags being at half-staff during his inauguration. Once he assumes the presidency on January 20, there is speculation he may reverse Biden’s decision entirely. On January 3, the former president expressed his sentiments on social media, criticizing the prospect of flags being lowered, saying it would not sit well with the American people.
Following Carter’s funeral, Trump made moves regarding the flags he oversees at his residence in Florida. Observers noted that the large U.S. flag at his Mar-a-Lago club was flying at full height, contrary to an order from DeSantis that would align with Biden’s directive.
As of now, Governor DeSantis hasn’t made any changes to the flag order within Florida. The U.S. flag code specifies the guidelines for lowering the flag to half-staff, allowing for a 30-day period for current and former presidents during which flags are to be lowered at federal buildings, embassies, and military sites as a sign of respect.
