SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Democratic California Governor Gavin Newsom has announced his intention to raise American flags at the state Capitol during President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration, affirming his support within a unique coalition of Republican governors. This decision was confirmed by Newsom's spokesperson Izzy Gardon (source: AP News).

As flags across the nation are currently flown at half-staff to honor the late former President Jimmy Carter, Newsom's move distinguishes him from the customary practice that typically demands flags remain at half-staff for a 30-day mourning period following the death of a sitting or former president. Notably, flags had recently been ordered at half-staff nationwide until January 28 by President Biden (source: The Hill).

This initiative puts Newsom alongside his Republican colleagues, including Governors Ron DeSantis of Florida, Kay Ivey of Alabama, and others from states like Texas and North Dakota. These governors plan to raise flags again on January 21, despite the flag lowering tradition in light of Carter's passing.

Trump himself expressed concern about flags being at half-staff during his inauguration earlier, stating, “Nobody wants to see this” on his social media platform, suggesting that it reflects poorly on national pride. House Speaker Mike Johnson also declared flags would be raised to full-staff at the U.S. Capitol on the inauguration day before returning to half-staff later on (source: AP News).