Governors Raise Flags Amid Mourning for Carter

In a controversial move, several governors, both Republican and Democrat, have ordered flags to fly at full-staff during the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, despite President Biden's directive for flags to remain at half-staff for 30 days in mourning for former President Jimmy Carter. Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, along with governors from Idaho, North Dakota, Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, Iowa, and Texas, have opted to raise the flags, arguing for the need to celebrate the inauguration. Notably, Democratic governors Gavin Newsom of California and Jared Polis of Colorado have also chosen to raise their flags temporarily. Washington Governor Bob Ferguson has similarly directed flags to full-staff for Inauguration Day, with plans to return to half-staff the following day. Critics argue this breaks with tradition and disrespects the mourning period established for Carter, who passed away on December 29, 2024. The actions reflect a broader political divide, as many Republican states align with Youngkin's decision, while some Democrats also join in the departure from the mourning protocol.