Inauguration Day Flags Raise Controversy as Trump Skips Mourning Period for Carter

Washington, D.C.: On January 10, House Speaker Mike Johnson ordered U.S. Capitol flags to be raised to full height on Inauguration Day, pausing the 30-day mourning period for former President Jimmy Carter. This controversial decision aligns with actions taken by some Republican governors, including Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, who raised flags in their states to honor Trump's second term.

The flag-lowering order, enacted by President Biden in honor of Carter's death, is set to last through January 28, overlapping with Trump's inauguration and first week in office. However, Trump had publicly criticized the plan, expressing his desire for a full-height flag during his oath of office.

Trump took matters into his own hands by flying a large U.S. flag at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida at full height, despite a similar order from Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. The flag code mandates that flags be lowered to half-staff for 30 days following the death of current or former presidents. Trump has suggested that the flag-lowering directive may be reversed after he takes office on January 20.