House Speaker Mike Johnson has declared that U.S. Capitol flags will be raised to full staff on Monday, January 20th, for Donald Trump's presidential inauguration. This decision contrasts with President Biden's order for flags to remain at half-staff for 30 days to honor former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away on December 29th. Johnson clarified that the flags will return to half-staff on January 21st to continue honoring Carter.
Johnson, a staunch Trump supporter, benefited from the president-elect's endorsement during his recent re-election as House Speaker. Trump had previously expressed his discontent with the prospect of flags at half-staff during his inauguration, calling it a disheartening sight for Americans.
While the U.S. flag code dictates a 30-day half-staff period for deceased presidents, it is not mandatory, giving Trump the authority to potentially override it after his inauguration. Notably, flags at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort were observed flying at full height just days after Carter's funeral and burial. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has similarly ordered flags at the state Capitol and state office buildings to be at full staff for the inauguration.
