State Flags Reflect Inauguration, Mourning Debate

The nation is experiencing a unique flag protocol situation due to the recent passing of former President Jimmy Carter and the upcoming inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump. Governor Katie Hobbs of Arizona has decided to keep state flags at half-staff on January 20, following President Biden's proclamation to honor Carter for 30 days until January 28. This decision contrasts with several Republican governors, such as Patrick Morrisey of West Virginia, who ordered flags to be flown at full staff to celebrate Trump's inauguration. The U.S. Flag Code allows states some discretion, leading to a patchwork of responses across the country, with some states temporarily raising flags during the inauguration. Trump's criticism of the half-staff flags reflects his frustration with the ongoing mourning period overlapping with his inauguration. Ultimately, while Trump’s inauguration will see flags raised briefly in some areas, the national mourning for Carter will persist as per federal guidelines.