On December 29, 2024, the United States said goodbye to its 39th President, Jimmy Carter. As is the tradition when a former president passes, flags across the country are being flown at half-mast for 30 days. This means that even during Donald Trump’s second presidential inauguration on January 20, 2025, the flags will remain lowered.
This situation isn’t new. The last time flags were at half-mast during an inauguration was in 1973, when President Richard Nixon started his second term. It was a solemn moment, as flags flew at half-mast in memory of President Harry Truman, who had passed away. Ironically, it was also Nixon’s second term inauguration.
Most Americans, regardless of their political views, seem to understand why the flags are being lowered. But for President-elect Donald Trump, the idea has stirred up frustration. He took to Truth Social to voice his displeasure, writing:
“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. Look at what they’ve done to our once GREAT America over the past four years – It’s a total mess!”
Trump continued, adding, “In any event, because of the death of President Jimmy Carter, the Flag may, for the first time ever during an Inauguration of a future President, be at half mast. Nobody wants to see this, and no American can be happy about it. Let’s see how it plays out. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
His comments quickly sparked a backlash on social media, not just from those on the Left, but even from some of his own supporters. Many expressed their discomfort with his remarks, with some MAGA supporters agreeing that lowering the flag is simply a sign of respect for the former president.
Trump’s reaction to this situation isn’t entirely surprising. He has often been criticized for being unable to accept criticism or show understanding of complex situations. There have even been reports of him pushing other world leaders out of the way for a better spot in photos at international summits. It seems that the spotlight is something he can’t resist.
Despite the controversy, the White House has confirmed that the flags will remain at half-mast as per protocol, and there are no plans to change this for the inauguration on January 20, 2025. So, while the flags may be lowered in tribute to Jimmy Carter, it looks like the political drama surrounding it is only just beginning.
