President-elect Donald Trump has publicly voiced his frustration regarding the U.S. flag being flown at half-staff during his upcoming inauguration on January 20, a gesture of respect for the late President Jimmy Carter. Following Carter's death on December 29, President Joe Biden ordered flags to be lowered for a 30-day mourning period, which will coincide with Trump's inauguration date. Trump described the Democrats as “giddy” about the scenario, suggesting that it reflects a lack of patriotism. “They think it’s so great, and are so happy about it because, in actuality, they don’t love our Country, they only think about themselves,” he remarked in a post on Truth Social (Reuters).

Trump further criticized the morale, asserting, “Nobody wants to see this, and no American can be happy about it.” Despite the tradition of lowering flags following the death of a sitting or former president, he argued that this occurrence marks the first time a future president's inauguration would coincide with a half-mast flag (India Times). The White House Press Secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, confirmed that there are no plans to modify this decision, reaffirming Biden's commitment to honoring Carter in this manner (The Hill).

Historically, the custom of flying at half-staff is observed for 30 days after the passing of a president, as noted by Trump's remarks on the mourning period affecting his administration's beginning. The state funeral for Carter is scheduled for January 9, and Trump intends to attend (USA Today).