President-elect Donald Trump is fuming as he doesn't want flags to be flown at half-mass to honor late former president Jimmy Carter during his upcoming inauguration on January 20.
- January 5, 2025
AceShowbiz - Donald Trump publicly voiced his displeasure that U.S. flags will be at half-staff during his inauguration to honor the late President Jimmy Carter.
Carter passed away on December 29 at the age of 100, prompting current President Joe Biden to order flags to be flown at half-staff for 30 days as a sign of national mourning. This timeline means flags will still be at half-mast when Trump is inaugurated on January 20.
On Truth Social, Trump said, "The Democrats are all 'giddy' about our magnificent American Flag potentially being at 'half mast' during my Inauguration. 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."
Trump's comments have sparked controversy, especially since it is not the first time flags have been at half-staff during an inauguration. According to The New York Times, this happened during Richard Nixon's second inauguration in 1973 to honor former President Harry S. Truman, who died the previous December.
U.S. flag code dictates that flags are to be flown at half-staff for 30 days following the death of a current or former president. This tradition, instituted by former President Dwight Eisenhower in 1954, is a solemn mark of respect.
During the 2024 presidential campaign, Trump had a contentious relationship with Carter, once calling him the "worst president." However, after Carter's passing, Trump expressed softened sentiments, acknowledging the significant challenges Carter faced during his presidency.
"The challenges Jimmy faced as President came at a pivotal time for our country and he did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans," Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Additionally, Trump's history of taking issue with the lowering of flags at half-staff is notable. In 2018, he faced backlash for raising the White House flag to full-staff just two days after Sen. John McCain's death, only to lower it again following public uproar from both Republicans and Democrats.
Despite Trump's frustrations, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre confirmed that Biden would not reconsider the order, and flags would remain at half-staff until January 28, a week after Trump takes office. While Trump could technically override this as president, the gesture remains a deeply respected national tradition.
