US Flag to Fly at Half-Mast in Mourning for Jimmy Carter, But Trump Expresses Discontent

Islamabad:The American flag will fly at half-mast throughout this month in mourning for the passing of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, who passed away on December 29, 2024, at the age of 100. However, concerns have been raised by the newly elected U.S. President Donald Trump, as his inauguration is expected to take place in late January, during the same period.

In an official statement, U.S. President Joe Biden announced that the flag would be lowered for 30 days as a mark of national mourning for the late president, with the ceremony for Carter’s state funeral set for January 9. The funeral will take place at the Washington National Cathedral, and former President Donald Trump is expected to attend.

This decision to lower the flag for 30 days is in line with a directive issued by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1954. The directive specifies that when a president or former president passes away, the American flag should fly at half-mast on federal buildings for a period of 30 days.

### Biden’s Order and Trump’s Reaction
President Biden’s announcement has led to discussions regarding the flag’s status during Trump’s upcoming inauguration. On social media, Trump acknowledged his philosophical and political differences with Jimmy Carter but expressed respect for Carter’s love for the country.

However, Trump voiced his disapproval of the flag being lowered during his inauguration. On his social media platform, Truth Social, he wrote that the Democrats are “confused” about the decision to lower the flag during his swearing-in ceremony. He further stated that no American would be happy to see the flag at half-mast during a new president’s inauguration. “Nobody wants to see this, and no American could be happy about it,” Trump remarked.

This would mark the first time that the flag could be flown at half-mast during the inauguration of a future president due to the death of a former president. The situation is likely to continue to fuel political debates in the coming weeks.

### Previous Incidents and White House Response
The American flag was similarly flown at half-mast during President Richard Nixon’s second inaugural ceremony on January 20, 1973, following the death of former President Harry S. Truman on December 26, 1972.

When asked during a press briefing whether the White House would reconsider its decision to lower the flag based on Trump’s concerns, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre firmly dismissed any such notion. She emphasized that the decision to honor Jimmy Carter in this manner was final.

This is not the first time that Donald Trump has been involved in a discussion regarding the American flag’s display. In 2018, after the death of Senator John McCain, some federal buildings displayed the flag at full-mast earlier than usual. After receiving criticism, the flags were lowered again.

The debate over the flag’s display reflects the broader political divides in the U.S., as differing views on national symbols like the flag continue to spark discussions about respect, tradition, and leadership.