Republican Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced Monday that flags at the Texas Capitol and all state buildings would be raised to full staff on January 20 in honor of Inauguration Day.
Why It Matters
President Biden had previously ordered U.S. flags to be flown at half-staff for 30 days following the December 29 death of former President Jimmy Carter. Under U.S. flag code, flags must remain at half-staff for this duration, even overlapping with the January 20 inauguration of Donald Trump as the 47th president.
What to Know
In a press release, Abbott emphasized federal guidelines that flags should be prominently displayed on key national days, including Inauguration Day.
"Texas continues to mourn with Americans across the nation over the passing of President Jimmy Carter," Abbott stated. "However, we must also celebrate the service of an incoming president and the bright future ahead for our country."
Earlier this month, Trump voiced frustration on Truth Social, criticizing the lowered flags during his inauguration. "This is the first time ever for such a thing during an Inauguration of a future President," Trump posted. "Nobody wants to see this, and no American can be happy about it. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!"
By law, the sitting president controls proclamations regarding flag status, meaning Trump cannot alter the order until officially sworn in.
Other States' Stances
So far, no other states have announced plans to deviate from Biden's directive. For example, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s office confirmed it is following the federal order.
What People Are Saying
Governor Abbott: "President Carter's leadership left a lasting legacy, honored by flying flags at half-staff for 30 days. But on January 20, we celebrate the peaceful transition of power and the inauguration of Donald J. Trump as our 47th president."
Donald Trump, on Truth Social: "The Democrats are thrilled that our magnificent American Flag could stay at 'half-mast' during my inauguration. They don’t love this country—they just think about themselves. Look at what they’ve done to America over the past four years—it’s a total disaster!"
X user JoJoFromJerz: "Trump is losing it over the flags being at half-staff during his inauguration for Jimmy Carter. He wants them raised to soothe his ego. Has there ever been a bigger whiner in history?"
What’s Next
Flags will continue flying at half-staff nationwide until January 28 to honor Carter, overlapping with the first week of Trump’s second term.
Trump will be inaugurated as the 47th president of the United States on January 20.
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