In a unique occurrence, U.S. flags will be flown at half-staff during President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20, 2025, as a mark of respect for the late former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away on December 29, 2024, at the age of 100. President Joe Biden issued a proclamation directing flags to be flown at half-staff for 30 days to honor Carter’s legacy. This mourning period overlaps with Trump’s inauguration, prompting some controversy.
Biden’s proclamation follows a longstanding tradition established by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1954, which dictates that when a President or former President dies, flags must fly at half-staff for 30 days at federal buildings and U.S. embassies worldwide. The period of mourning will culminate on January 9, 2025, with a National Day of Mourning and Carter’s state funeral at the Washington National Cathedral. Trump is expected to attend the funeral, which will mark the formal remembrance of the former president’s life and contributions.
Trump, though respectful of Carter’s legacy, has voiced his discontent about the timing of the flag protocol. He shared his thoughts on Truth Social, expressing that no American could be happy with flags flying at half-staff during his inauguration. Trump further criticized the situation, stating that Democrats were “giddy” about the prospect.
While Biden’s proclamation stands, Trump, once inaugurated, holds the authority to potentially raise the flags to full staff, as President Richard Nixon did in 1973 for a brief period after Truman’s passing. However, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre has firmly stated that the White House will not reconsider its decision.
