Governors Order Flags Raised for Trump Inauguration

Several U.S. governors, including Utah's Spencer Cox and South Carolina's Henry McMaster, have announced plans to raise flags to full staff during Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20, 2025, despite the ongoing mourning period for former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away on December 29, 2024. President Biden had ordered flags to be flown at half-staff for 30 days in Carter's honor, but some Republican leaders argue that federal law also supports displaying the flag at full staff on inauguration day. Following similar sentiments, House Speaker Mike Johnson has confirmed that flags at the U.S. Capitol will also be raised for the inauguration before being lowered again to honor Carter. Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Texas Governor Greg Abbott are among those who have similarly decided to raise flags on Inauguration Day, only to lower them the next day. This decision has sparked debates regarding respect for the deceased president versus the celebration of the newly elected president. Ultimately, while state governors have the discretion to set flag protocols, they are navigating the conflict between federal mourning guidelines and the customs associated with presidential inaugurations.