Abbott Defies Biden's Mourning Order, Orders Flags at Full Staff for Trump's Inauguration

Jan 13, 2025, 07:36 PM

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has ordered all U.S. and Texas flags to be flown at full-staff on January 20, 2025, in honor of President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration. This directive defies President Joe Biden's order that flags be flown at half-staff for 30 days to honor the late former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away on December 29, 2024. Federal protocol requires flags to be flown at half-staff during a 30-day mourning period following the death of a current or former president, extending until January 28. Abbott emphasized the importance of celebrating Inauguration Day as a day of unity and optimism for the nation's future. In his statement, he acknowledged Carter's service but stressed the need to honor the incoming president. The order applies to the Texas Capitol and all state buildings. Similarly, flags at President-elect Trump's private Mar-a-Lago club are being flown at full-staff despite the federal directive.