Some state governors order flags up for Trump inauguration
California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a prominent Democrat, has joined in with an order for his state to raise flags for the inauguration.
Governors in multiple states plan to raise U.S. flags at state facilities for President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration.
President Joe Biden ordered flags flown at half-mast nationwide after former President Jimmy Carter's death on Dec. 29. The traditional 30-day mourning period will overlap with Trump's inauguration on Jan. 20. Trump said he wants flags flying high for his return to the White House.
In addition to some governors, House Speaker Mike Johnson ordered that flags at the U.S. Capitol fly at full-staff for Trump's inauguration on Jan. 20.
Most of the governors raising flags are Republicans, but California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a prominent Democrat, has joined in with an order for his state to raise flags for the inauguration, according to a Fox News report.
Biden was asked if he would raise the flags for his rival's inauguration, but his press secretary said last week that Biden had no plans to do so.
Idaho Gov. Brad Little ordered U.S. and Idaho flags at half-mast after Carter's death, but said flags should go back to the top of the pole from sunrise to sunset on Jan. 20 for Trump's inauguration.
North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong also directed the U.S. and North Dakota flags to be flown at full staff on Jan. 20 at the North Dakota Capitol and all state buildings in celebration of the inauguration. Armstrong said the state should honor both men.
"The inauguration of a U.S. president is a time to celebrate, and the Stars and Stripes should fly high as a symbol of freedom and democracy on such a momentous day for our nation," Armstrong said. "We will continue to honor the life and legacy of President Carter, as we should, by returning flags to half-staff on Jan. 21 as a mark of respect and reverence."
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who was on the receiving end of Trump's mockery for more than a year during his presidential run, said his state also can honor both presidents. In a memo, DeSantis called it a "unique occasion, where we simultaneously celebrate the service of an incoming president and commend the service of a former president."
Alabama will also raise flags for the inauguration. Gov. Kay Ivey ordered flags returned to full staff "on the grounds of the Alabama State Capitol Complex in Montgomery and at state buildings throughout Alabama" on Jan. 20.
Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott have issued similar flag proclamations for Trump's big day.
Trump previously criticized Biden's flag decision and the Democrats who support it.
"The Democrats are all 'giddy' about our magnificent American Flag potentially being at 'half mast' during my Inauguration," Trump wrote on Truth Social in a recent post. "They think it’s so great, and are so happy about it because, in actuality, they don’t love our Country, they only think about themselves."