understanding-flag-protocol-why-flags-are-at-half-staff-and-why-some-wont-be-on-nauguration-day

Understanding Flag Protocol: Why Flags Are at Half-Staff and Why Some Won’t Be on Inauguration Day

President-elect Donald Trump is gearing up to take office on Monday amidst a controversial decision regarding the position of flags above the United States Capitol. Trump is set to be sworn in during a ceremony on Monday, a day that typically sees flags flying at half-staff. However, this year, a surprising turn of events has led to flags at the Capitol to be flown at full-staff for Inauguration Day.

Why Flags Are at Half-Staff?

Flags have been flying at half-staff across the U.S. since late December following the passing of former President Jimmy Carter at the age of 100. According to the U.S. flag code, flags are mandated to be lowered to half-staff for 30 days following the death of a president. This would have meant that the flags would remain lowered during Trump’s inauguration.

Trump’s Reaction to the Decision

President-elect Trump expressed his displeasure with the decision to keep flags lowered on his Truth Social platform. He criticized the move, stating that “nobody wants to see” the flags lowered on the day of his inauguration. Trump went on to accuse Democrats of being “giddy” at the news, claiming that they do not truly love the country.

Actions Taken After Trump’s Remarks

Following Trump’s comments, governors across the nation began to issue orders for flags to be raised to full-staff for Inauguration Day, only to lower them back to half-staff for the remainder of the month. The first to make this move was Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, with others like Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Indiana Gov. Mike Braun following suit. Most governors cited honoring the peaceful transition of power between the administrations of President Joe Biden and Trump as the reason for raising the flags.

Flags at Full-Staff in 28 States

A total of 28 states, as reported by NBC-affiliate KARE in Minneapolis, are expected to have their flags at full-staff for the inauguration. While many of these states are led by Republican governors, some states with Democratic leadership, such as California under Gov. Gavin Newsom, have also issued similar orders.

In a rare occurrence, flags were flown at half-staff during the inauguration of President Richard Nixon in 1973 following the death of former President Harry Truman in December 1972.

This unexpected turn of events surrounding flag protocol for Inauguration Day has sparked a debate across the nation about the significance of honoring past presidents while transitioning to a new administration. As we witness the changing landscape of political traditions, one can’t help but wonder about the impact of such decisions on the fabric of our nation. What does it truly mean to honor the legacy of past leaders while embracing the future of our democracy? The symbolism behind the position of flags serves as a reflection of our values and beliefs as a nation, shedding light on the complexities of political discourse in America. Let us take a moment to ponder the significance of these decisions as we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of our democracy.