Washington governor orders flags at full-staff for Trump inauguration despite mourning period for Jimmy Carter

Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson, a Democrat, has made the decision to raise flags to full-staff on Monday for President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration, despite President Biden’s official order for flags to fly at half-staff for a 30-day mourning period following the death of former President Jimmy Carter.

Biden’s directive called for flags at all government and public buildings and grounds across the country to be lowered to half-staff in honor of Carter’s passing. However, Ferguson has chosen to raise the flags in Washington state to mark Inauguration Day on Monday, January 20, 2025.

In a statement, Ferguson explained his decision, stating, “I hereby direct that Washington State and United States flags at all state agency facilities be raised to full-staff on Monday, January 20, 2025, in honor of Inauguration Day.” He also indicated that the flags would return to half-staff on Tuesday to continue the mourning period for Carter.

Ferguson’s move is in contrast to the actions of several Republican governors who have decided to raise flags for Trump’s inauguration before the 30-day mourning period ends. Among those governors are Idaho Gov. Brad Little, North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, and others.

The decision to raise flags for Trump’s inauguration has sparked controversy, with Trump himself expressing disapproval of the tradition. In a post on Truth Social, Trump criticized Democrats for being “giddy” about the possibility of the American flag flying at half-mast during his inauguration.

Despite the debate surrounding the flag-raising, it is worth noting that similar actions have been taken in the past. For instance, flags were flown at half-staff during former President Nixon’s second term inauguration in 1973 following the death of former President Truman.

In conclusion, the decision to raise flags for Trump’s inauguration has stirred up both political and emotional responses. While some view it as a break from tradition, others see it as a mark of respect for the former president. It remains to be seen how this controversy will play out as the inauguration approaches.