President-elect Donald Trump delivered a fiery critique, lambasting Democrats for their apparent contentment that the American flag will fly at half-staff during his inauguration. This move, mandated due to the recent passing of former President Jimmy Carter, sparked his criticism.
The upcoming inauguration of Donald Trump occurs amid national mourning for former President Jimmy Carter, with flags at half-staff as mandated by tradition, Daily Wire reported.
Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, passed away on December 29 at his home in Georgia, initiating a period of official mourning. According to a proclamation from 1954, the American flag must fly at half-staff for 30 days following the death of a former president, which in this case will last until sunset on January 28.
This 30-day period overlaps with the date of Trump's inauguration, scheduled for January 20. As a result, it will mark possibly the first inauguration in history where the American flag flies at half-staff due to the death of a former president.
Trump took to Truth Social to voice his displeasure, arguing that Democrats are "giddy" about the situation, which he interprets as a reflection of their lack of patriotism. "The Democrats are all ‘giddy’ about our magnificent American Flag potentially being at ‘half mast’ during my Inauguration. 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," he remarked.
Following Trump's posts, various leftist commentators and social media users expressed views that paralleled the timing of Carter's death with Trump's inauguration. Jon Cooper, a known figure online, commented, “Jimmy Carter left one last parting gift for Trump after his death,” linking the half-staff flag directly to Carter's legacy and its overlap with the inauguration.
Another comment from a user known as "BrooklynDadDefiant" highlighted a mixed sentiment, mourning Carter yet finding a silver lining in the situation: “Good morning and Happy Monday to everyone who is saddened by the loss of the great President Jimmy Carter, but glad to know that flags must now be flown at half staff during Felon 47’s unholy inauguration. Carter is a hero, even on his way out.”
Addressing whether the flag status might be altered for Inauguration Day, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated at a press briefing, “The White House is not considering raising the flags to full mast for Inauguration Day.” When pressed further, her response was succinct, captured by a CSPAN quote: "No."
The flag code provides the President the discretion to adjust flag procedures; however, this is not enforced by federal law, pointing to the adherence to tradition in this instance. President Biden is slated to deliver a eulogy for Carter on January 9 at Washington National Cathedral, an event that Trump will also attend, marking a rare moment of unity and respect among current and former leaders.
Despite his criticism of Democrats, Trump acknowledged Carter's challenges during his tenure as President. “The challenges Jimmy faced as President came at a pivotal time for our country and he did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans. For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude,” he stated.
Adding a personal note, Trump conveyed his and his wife Melania's condolences to the Carter family, urging the public to keep them in their hearts and prayers: “Melania and I are thinking warmly of the Carter Family and their loved ones during this difficult time. We urge everyone to keep them in their hearts and prayers.”
This confluence of national mourning and political ceremony highlights the depth of America's rich democratic traditions, where respect for past leaders intersects with pivotal moments for current ones. As the nation prepares for its inaugural rituals, the context of these events serves as a poignant reminder of the continuity and change inherent in American governance.
For Trump, the inauguration presents an opportunity to unite a politically divided nation, even as he faces criticism for his comments. How this will unfold during the ceremony remains a focal point of interest as January 20 approaches. Moreover, the imagery of the American flag at half-staff, symbolizing both mourning and respect, will likely add a layer of solemnity to the proceedings.
As America watches, the flag at half-staff not only honors a former president but also stands as a somber backdrop to the dawn of a new chapter in political history, encapsulating the bittersweet essence of American democracy.
