Texas Governor Greg Abbott has instructed that American flags on state properties be flown at full employees on January 20 to mark President-elect Donald Trump’s upcoming inauguration. This choice bypasses the nationwide mourning interval for former President Jimmy Carter, sparking each reward and criticism throughout social media.
President Joe Biden had beforehand ordered flags nationwide to be flown at half-staff for 30 days following Carter’s dying, as outlined in federal protocol. Abbott, nonetheless, issued a press release explaining his alternative:
If that is actual it ought to shock NO ONE. Individuals like #GregAbbott, who declare to like this nation greater than others, won’t ever understand that sh*tting on one patriotic custom, in favor of 1 that stinks of partisan BS, will ceaselessly separate them from true patriotism. pic.twitter.com/rHlyEAAY92
— Christopher (he/him) (@darkknight316) January 13, 2025
“Whereas we honor the service of a former President, we should additionally have a good time the service of an incoming President and the brilliant future forward for america of America,” the assertion learn.
The announcement has polarized on-line discourse, with customers on platforms like X (previously Twitter) weighing in. Some applauded Abbott for specializing in the long run, whereas others accused him of prioritizing political alignment with Trump over respecting Carter’s legacy.
U.S. Flag Protocol and the Regulation
Below federal legislation, Part 4 of the U.S. Code governs how the American flag is displayed in mourning. When a president passes, the sitting president should order flags to fly at half-staff for 30 days. Shorter durations apply for different high-ranking officers, corresponding to 10 days for a vp or Supreme Courtroom chief justice.
Whereas the president’s proclamation applies to all flags nationwide, enforcement is proscribed. Solely flags on federal properties or army installations are legally required to observe the directive. State buildings, like these in Texas, usually are not sure to conform and face no penalties for non-adherence.
Abbott’s directive applies solely to flags on the Texas Capitol and different state-managed websites. As debate continues, the transfer underscores the strain between honoring historic traditions and making political statements in a deeply divided nation.
