Texas Governor Greg Abbott has instructed that American flags on state properties be flown at full staff on January 20 to mark President-elect Donald Trump’s upcoming inauguration. This decision bypasses the national mourning period for former President Jimmy Carter, sparking both praise and criticism across social media.
President Joe Biden had previously ordered flags nationwide to be flown at half-staff for 30 days following Carter’s death, as outlined in federal protocol. Abbott, however, issued a statement explaining his choice:
If this is real it should surprise NO ONE. People like #GregAbbott, who claim to love this country more than others, will never realize that sh*tting on one patriotic tradition, in favor of one that stinks of partisan BS, will forever separate them from true patriotism. pic.twitter.com/rHlyEAAY92
— Christopher (he/him) (@darkknight316) January 13, 2025
“While we honor the service of a former President, we must also celebrate the service of an incoming President and the bright future ahead for the United States of America,” the statement read.
The announcement has polarized online discourse, with users on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) weighing in. Some applauded Abbott for focusing on the future, while others accused him of prioritizing political alignment with Trump over respecting Carter’s legacy.
U.S. Flag Protocol and the Law
Under federal law, Section 4 of the U.S. Code governs how the American flag is displayed in mourning. When a president passes, the sitting president must order flags to fly at half-staff for 30 days. Shorter durations apply for other high-ranking officials, such as 10 days for a vice president or Supreme Court chief justice.
While the president’s proclamation applies to all flags nationwide, enforcement is limited. Only flags on federal properties or military installations are legally required to follow the directive. State buildings, like those in Texas, are not bound to comply and face no penalties for non-adherence.
Abbott’s directive applies solely to flags at the Texas Capitol and other state-managed sites. As debate continues, the move underscores the tension between honoring historical traditions and making political statements in a deeply divided nation.
