President-elect Donald Trump criticized the decision to keep American flags at half staff during his Jan. 20 inauguration, a period designated to honour the late President Jimmy Carter, who passed away on Dec. 29. President Joe Biden ordered the flags to remain lowered for 30 days, following the traditional mourning period for a deceased U.S. president.
Trump expressed his concerns in a Truth Social post on Friday, claiming the decision was a political manoeuvre by Democrats. “The Democrats are all ‘giddy’ about our magnificent American Flag potentially being at ‘half staff’ during my Inauguration,” he remarked, suggesting that the action reflected their lack of patriotism.
Trump Attending Carter Memorial Service
Despite his criticism, Trump plans to attend Jimmy Carter’s memorial service on Jan. 9 in Washington. He emphasized that this would mark the first instance in U.S. history where the American flag remained at half-staff during a presidential inauguration, stating, “Nobody wants to see this, and no American can be happy about it.”
White House Stands By Its Decision
White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre confirmed that the administration had no intention of revisiting the decision. The 30-day flag-lowering protocol has been a long-standing tradition, symbolizing national mourning and respect for a former leader.
Trump’s comments have sparked debates about tradition and political decorum, with some supporting the mourning period and others questioning its overlap with the inauguration. Historically, flags have been lowered to honor the passing of presidents, a gesture that transcends political affiliations and underscores the nation’s respect for its leaders.