Why US Flags Are Being Flown At Half On Inauguration Day?

When a former president passes away, it initiates a period of national mourning, symbolized by the lowering the U.S. flag to half-staff. This tradition, deeply ingrained in American protocol, underscores the nation's respect and reverence for its past leaders. The recent passing of President Jimmy Carter at the age of 100 has once again brought this practice into the limelight, with President Joe Biden ordering flags to be flown at half-staff for 30 days in Carter's honor. Such gestures of mourning are not only reserved for presidents but extend to other high-ranking officials like vice presidents, Supreme Court justices, and members of Congress, though the duration may vary.

President-elect Donald Trump has voiced his displeasure over the timing of this mourning period. With his inauguration scheduled for January 20, Trump is frustrated that flags will still be at half-staff, covering the first week of his presidency. This decision, mandated by Biden to honor Carter's memory, is out of Trump's control until he officially takes office. Trump's discontent was aired on social media, where he lamented the lowered flags, suggesting that no American could be pleased with this symbol of mourning. He ended his post with the rallying cry, "MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!"

The protocol for lowering flags is detailed in the U.S. flag code, which stipulates a 30-day mourning period for past and current presidents. This directive applies to flags at all federal government buildings, U.S. embassies, military installations, and vessels across the globe. The tradition also dictates that no flag should fly higher than the American flag during this time, ensuring state flags are also lowered in respect. While the flag code provides these guidelines, they are not legally binding. This means that once in office, a president has the discretion to adjust these protocols, as evidenced by President Richard Nixon's decision in 1973 to raise flags earlier than the 30-day mark to celebrate the return of American prisoners of war from Vietnam.

The authority to order flags at half-staff is not limited to the president. Governors and the mayor of the District of Columbia hold this power as well, emphasizing the significance of this gesture across different levels of government. Despite Trump's objections and the possibility of altering the duration of mourning once he assumes office, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre confirmed that there were no plans to reassess the decision to lower the flags in Carter's memory.

This practice of lowering flags has seen exceptions and modifications in the past. For instance, after the death of Sen. John McCain in 2018, a disagreement between Trump and the late senator led to the Stars and Stripes being briefly raised to full height before being lowered again to half-staff due to public outcry from both political parties. McCain's family had expressly stated their wish for Trump not to attend the senator's funeral, highlighting the complexities and sensitivities surrounding this tradition.

As Trump prepares to begin his term with flags at half-staff, it serves as a reminder of the nation's collective mourning and the deep respect afforded to those who have served at the highest levels of government.