Janice R. Andrews
White House Rejects Trump’s Protest Over Flag Tribute
The White House has swiftly dismissed former President Donald Trump’s objections to flags flying at half-staff during his potential inauguration as a tribute to the late President Jimmy Carter, who passed away on December 29 at the age of 100.
When asked during a press briefing if the Biden administration might reconsider the decision, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre provided a firm one-word answer: “No,” and promptly moved on.
Trump’s Reaction to the Flag Order
President Joe Biden’s proclamation to lower flags nationwide for 30 days, honoring Carter’s legacy, has sparked anger from Trump. He voiced his discontent on his Truth Social platform, accusing Democrats of lacking patriotism and reveling in the flag’s half-staff display during what he hopes will be his inauguration.
“The Democrats are all ‘giddy’ about our magnificent American Flag potentially being at ‘half mast’ during my Inauguration,” Trump wrote. “They don’t love our Country, they only think about themselves… Nobody wants to see this, and no American can be happy about it.”
While acknowledging Carter’s contributions to the nation, Trump’s statements revealed his frustration with what he perceives as an inappropriate overlap of tribute and political symbolism.
Biden’s Proclamation and Established Protocol
Biden’s order aligns with long-standing practices established under President Dwight D. Eisenhower, mandating flags fly at half-staff for 30 days to honor a sitting or former president. This directive serves as a national expression of sorrow and applies to federal buildings, military posts, naval stations, and U.S. embassies worldwide.
Although Trump would have the authority to override the proclamation should he take office, Biden’s directive remains effective until then.
The Role of Congress in Flag Procedures
While the executive branch traditionally dictates flag protocol, the Capitol, as the legislative branch, operates independently. Capitol officials generally follow the president’s lead in lowering flags but retain their own discretion.
There has been no indication that Trump has approached Capitol authorities to alter the flag display for January 20.
Biden’s Subtle Contrast to Trump
As Trump criticized the flag directive, Biden used his remarks about Carter to emphasize the late president’s humility and moral integrity.
“Can you imagine Jimmy Carter walking by someone who needs something and just keeps walking?” Biden asked. “Can you imagine Jimmy Carter referring to someone by the way they look or the way they talk? I can’t.”
Many interpreted Biden’s remarks as a subtle critique of Trump, highlighting a stark contrast between Carter’s character and Trump’s often polarizing rhetoric.
Trump Hints at Policy Reversal
Trump’s Truth Social post hinted that he might overturn the flag-lowering order should he take office. “Let’s see how it plays out. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!” he wrote, suggesting a potential challenge to Biden’s directive.
The comments have reignited debate about the politicization of national symbols like the American flag, which traditionally represent unity and respect.
A Symbolic Start to the Inauguration
The flag dispute underscores the deep divisions in American politics, even during moments of national mourning. As the country approaches the January 20 inauguration, the controversy surrounding the flag directive has become yet another flashpoint between Trump and the Biden administration.
For Trump supporters, his stance reflects a defense of national pride, while critics see it as an unnecessary distraction from honoring Carter’s legacy.
With tensions high, the handling of the flag order could set the tone for the next chapter in the nation’s political landscape, as the world watches closely to see how this symbolic issue unfolds.
