As the United States prepares for the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump later this month, a notable aspect of the day will be US flags flying at half-staff. This gesture, ordered by President Joe Biden, is to honour the late President Jimmy Carter, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 100.
President-elect Trump has expressed frustration with this decision, calling it a sombre backdrop to what is traditionally a celebratory occasion. However, the timeline of such proclamations remains outside Trump’s control until he officially takes office.
Why are US flags flown at half-staff?
The lowering of flags to half-staff is a solemn tradition that signifies national mourning. On Sunday, President Biden issued a proclamation directing that US flags at federal buildings, military installations, and diplomatic facilities worldwide be lowered to honour the late President Carter.
The United States Flag Code outlines specific instances when this practice should be observed, including the death of a current or former president, where flags are to remain lowered for 30 days. The code also extends this honour to other high-ranking officials, such as vice presidents, Supreme Court justices, and members of Congress, although these periods are shorter.
Flags may also be lowered for other reasons, such as national tragedies or Memorial Day, when they are briefly flown at half-staff before being raised to full height. During these periods, state flags, which must not fly higher than the American flag, are also lowered.
Duration of the honour
According to Biden’s proclamation, US flags will remain at half-staff for 30 days, until 28 January. This means that flags will still be lowered during Trump’s inauguration on 20 January and the first week of his presidency.
Who decides when flags are lowered?
Authority to lower flags rests primarily with the president, governors, and the mayor of the District of Columbia. The decision is typically based on the circumstances surrounding a national figure’s death or other significant events.
Trump’s reaction
President-elect Trump has publicly criticised the timing of this proclamation. On Friday, he posted on social media, claiming Democrats were “giddy” at the prospect of flags flying at half-staff during his swearing-in ceremony.
“Nobody wants to see this,” Trump wrote, adding, “No American can be happy about it. Let’s see how it plays out. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
When asked about Trump’s comments during a press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre confirmed that President Biden would not reconsider the decision, stating it was a matter of respect and tradition.
Can Trump raise the flags?
While the US Flag Code suggests a 30-day period of mourning for a former president, it is not legally binding. This means that once Trump assumes office, he would have the authority to reverse the decision and raise the flags early.
This scenario has precedent. In February 1973, President Richard Nixon briefly raised flags during the mourning period for former President Lyndon Johnson to honour the first American prisoners of war released from Vietnam. The flags were subsequently returned to half-staff to complete the mourning period.
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Similarly, when Nixon was sworn in for his second term earlier that year, flags were already at half-staff following the death of former President Harry S. Truman.
Trump’s history with lowering flags
This is not the first time Trump has faced scrutiny regarding flag protocol. After the 2018 death of Senator John McCain, with whom Trump had a contentious relationship, the White House briefly lowered the flag to half-staff before raising it back to full height the following day.
The move drew bipartisan criticism, and the flag was later lowered again to honour McCain, following public outcry. While McCain’s funeral featured tributes from former presidents, his family notably declined to invite Trump to attend.
Looking ahead
As the nation approaches Inauguration Day, the decision to keep flags at half-staff serves as a poignant reminder of the respect accorded to national figures and the complexities of upholding tradition amidst political divides.
For now, the US remains in a state of mourning, honouring the legacy of Jimmy Carter, a leader remembered for his dedication to public service and humanitarian efforts. Whether Trump chooses to maintain this symbolic act or take a different approach remains to be seen.
