House Speaker Mike Johnson has directed that flags at the U.S. Capitol be flown at full-staff on January 20, 2025, to honor the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump. This decision temporarily pauses the 30-day half-staff period initiated by President Joe Biden to mourn former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away on December 29 at the age of 100. Johnson stated that the flags would return to half-staff the following day to continue honoring Carter.
This move aligns with actions taken by several Republican governors. For instance, Texas Governor Greg Abbott ordered flags to be raised to full-staff on Inauguration Day, emphasizing the day’s significance as a national celebration. Similarly, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey and North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong issued comparable directives.
President-elect Trump had previously expressed dissatisfaction with the prospect of flags remaining at half-staff during his inauguration, viewing it as a potential distraction from the day’s celebratory nature. Notably, the large flag at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida was observed flying at full-staff before the official end of the mourning period for Carter.
While the Speaker’s directive applies specifically to the U.S. Capitol, President-elect Trump will have the authority to adjust flag protocols nationwide upon taking office. The decision to raise flags on Inauguration Day underscores the intent to mark the peaceful transition of power as a moment of national unity and celebration.
On January 20th, the flags at the Capitol will fly at full-staff to celebrate our country coming together behind the inauguration of our 47th President, Donald Trump.
The flags will be lowered back to half-staff the following day to continue honoring President Jimmy Carter.
— Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) January 14, 2025