Inauguration Day 2025: Why are national flags at half-staff and full-staff both in US today?

Inauguration Day 2025 marks a unique occurrence in the United States. Flags will either fly at half-staff to mourn former President Jimmy Carter or be raised to full-staff to honor the peaceful transition of power as Donald Trump assumes the presidency.

Flags at Half-Staff

President Joe Biden directed all U.S. states to lower their flags to half-staff after the death of Jimmy Carter on December 29, 2024. Carter passed away at 100 years old in Plains, Georgia. Flags are to remain lowered for 30 days, until January 29, per presidential order. However, the U.S. flag code, which guides this tradition, is not legally binding.

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States Raising Flags to Full-Staff

Several states will raise their flags on January 20 to celebrate Inauguration Day. Governors from Iowa, Texas, Florida, and other Republican-led states, along with New York, California and Colorado, will hoist flags to full-staff. After the ceremonies, flags will return to half-staff to honor Carter.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul emphasized the importance of celebrating a peaceful transition of power. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued a similar statement, highlighting this day as a significant part of American traditions.

Flags at U.S. Capitol

The U.S. Capitol will follow a similar approach. House Speaker Mike Johnson announced that flags would fly at full-staff during Trump’s inauguration. The next day, flags will return to half-staff to continue honoring Carter’s memory.

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Trump’s Take

Donald Trump expressed disappointment about flags potentially being at half-staff on his inauguration day. On Truth Social, he criticized those supporting this, framing it as unpatriotic. Trump expressed his preference for flags being fully raised during such significant events.

FAQs

Why do flags fly at half-staff?
Flags are lowered during national mourning, after government leaders' deaths, or for remembrance days. The U.S. president, state governors, or D.C.'s mayor decide this.

Why are flags raised on Inauguration Day?
Some states celebrate the peaceful transition of power by raising flags on Inauguration Day, a historic tradition reflecting unity and national pride.