United States flags are set to be flown at half-staff this January to mourn the passing of former President Jimmy Carter, who died on December 29, 2024, at the age of 100. President Joe Biden ordered this action as a formal expression of public sorrow, a directive that coincides with the upcoming inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump on January 20.

Biden's proclamation specifies that flags will remain at half-staff for 30 days to honor Carter, aligning with the established U.S. flag code initiated by Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1954. This code dictates that flags should be lowered at federal buildings and military installations upon the death of a president or former president.

The half-staff period begins following Carter's death and will continue until January 28. This decision means that flags will be at half-staff during Trump's inauguration, marking a unique moment in presidential transitions. Trump expressed his frustration on social media, referring to the situation as something no American would be pleased to witness, asserting that “Democrats are all ‘giddy’” about the flags being flown at half-staff during his inauguration.

Echoing Trump’s sentiments, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, a Republican, opted not to lower flags at local government buildings as a tribute to Carter, sparking controversy. Local legislator Seth Koslow condemned this action as politically motivated and a misstep in honoring a former leader who served the nation. “Politics shouldn't play into this right now,” Koslow stated, stressing the importance of showing respect for Carter.

As part of the national observances for Carter, a state funeral is scheduled for January 9, during which he will lie in state in the Capitol Rotunda from January 7-9. Trump confirmed his attendance at the funeral, despite his earlier criticisms regarding the mourning period overlapping his inauguration.

During the press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre firmly stated the administration would not reconsider the decision to fly the flags at half-staff, reinforcing the government's stance on this matter. Although Trump, once inaugurated, could potentially raise the flags, this would be a controversial move reminiscent of past debates surrounding similar issues during his presidency.

This situation brings to light the often complex relationship between political events and national symbols such as the American flag, raising questions about the appropriate expressions of mourning and respect within a charged political landscape. The last time U.S. flags were at half-staff during an inauguration was in 1973 when President Richard Nixon’s flags reflected the earlier observance of the death of former President Harry Truman.