WASHINGTON D.C., DC — On Inauguration Day, some flags around the country were flown at half staff and others weren't.
It's a unique situation because of the timing of the death of the late President Jimmy Carter, which prompted flags to be flown at half staff. President Trump and others protested and demanded flags be raised Monday for his inauguration.
As of Monday, at least 30 states had announced plans to raise flags to full-staff for President Donald Trump's inauguration.
After his swearing-in, President Trump signed an order that flags must be at full height at every future Inauguration Day.
The text of Trump’s order on the U.S. flag says it will be lowered “upon the end of this Inauguration Day” for the remainder of the 30-day period honoring the memory of the late former President Jimmy Carter, or through Jan. 28.
Why are flags lowered?
On Dec. 29, President Joe Biden issued a proclamation to have U.S. flags be lowered for 30 days to honor former President Carter. Under this proclamation, flags would be flown at half-staff through Jan. 28, 2025, including Trump's inauguration on Monday, Jan. 20.
Trump, and others, expressed frustration at this and more than a dozen governors have since decided to direct flags be raised on Inauguration Day in their respective states.
House Speaker Mike Johnson announced that flags at the U.S. Capitol, where the swearing-in ceremony takes place, would be raised for the inauguration on Monday, but then be lowered again to continue to honor Carter.
While some states raised their flags after Carter's funeral, others are following what Johnson announced. Some states will keep flags at half-staff through the full 30 days of mourning.
States are allowed to raise their flags when they choose, as Biden’s order applies only to flags on federal property, such as the White House and at national parks.
Here's a state-by-state look of plans to raise flags to full-staff on Jan. 20 for Trump's second presidential inauguration.
Full list of states raising flags for Trump's inauguration
Alabama
Gov. Kay Ivey announced Jan. 13 that all of the flags at the Alabama State Capitol Complex will be raised Monday "to honor the inauguration of the new president."
Flags will return to half-staff Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025 to "resume observance of the 30-day period of mourning for former President Jimmy Carter."
Alaska
Gov. Mike Dunleavy announced Jan. 16 that flags at the Alaska State Capitol will be raised from half-staff at sunrise to "celebrate the Constitution and honor the inauguration of President Donald J. Trump."
Flags will return to half-staff afterward to continue "honoring the life and legacy of former President Jimmy Carter through the remaining national period of mourning."
Arkansas
Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders ordered flags to return to full staff in honor of Trump's inauguration on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025.
"America is the greatest country in the world and the peaceful transfer of power that will soon occur from one administration to the next is a hallmark of our democracy," Sanders said. "The inauguration is an opportunity to celebrate the new president, his administration, and the millions of Americans who united around his message and voted to elect him."
The flags will raise at sunrise Monday and be lowered again to half-staff at sunrise Tuesday, Jan. 21.
California
Gov. Gavin Newsom is joining join some Republican governors around the country in directing U.S. flags be raised to full height on Inauguration Day.
Newsom’s spokesperson Izzy Gardon confirmed Wednesday that the governor would temporarily direct the raising of flags at the state Capitol in Sacramento for President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration.
As of Friday, Newsom is the only Democratic governor who has ordered flags raised in their state for Trump's inauguration.
Colorado
Gov. Jared Polis announced flags will raise for Inauguration Day.
Flags will return to half-staff Tuesday through Jan. 28 to honor Carter.
Florida
Gov. Ron DeSantis ordered flags to return to full-staff for Inauguration Day.
The governor's letter reads, "On this unique occasion, where we simultaneously celebrate the service of an incoming president and commend the service of a former president, our nation's flag will be prominently displayed at full-staff to honor the tradition of our founding fathers and the sacrifices made by those who have served to ensure the torch of liberty continues to burn strong."
DeSantis said flags will again be lowered the day following Trump's inauguration.
Idaho
Gov. Brad Little ordered flags to be temporarily raised to full staff on Inauguration Day before returning them to half-staff in honor of former President Jimmy Carter.
"Idaho will recognize the swearing in of our 47th president, Donald Trump, by raising our flags on this momentous day," Little said in a statement. "This is a historic transition in our nation's leadership, and we will celebrate it."
According to the governor's office, U.S. and Idaho state flags will fly at full staff from sunrise to sunset on Monday, January 20, to mark the presidential inauguration. The flags will then be lowered again until January 28.
Indiana
Gov. Mike Braun directed the state's flags to be flown at full-staff from sunrise to sunset on Inauguration Day.
Flags will be lowered again after that through the remainder of the mourning period honoring Carter.
Iowa
Gov. Kim Reynolds ordered flags at state buildings be raised on Inauguration Day.
“On Monday, President Donald J. Trump will be officially sworn into office as the 47th President of the United States,” Reynolds said in a statement. “Iowa will celebrate and recognize this historic change in our country’s leadership by raising our flags."
Flags will be lowered to half-staff after Inauguration Day and remain until Jan. 28, per Biden's proclamation and U.S. flag code.
Kentucky
Gov. Andy Beshear announced Monday the Bluegrass State will honor both Presidents Carter and Trump. The governor has directed that flags at all Kentucky state office buildings be raised to full-staff at 11:30 a.m. EST, just a half hour before Trump's inauguration ceremony is set to begin.
The flags will remain high until his inauguration ceremony has ended. Then, flags should immediately be returned to half-staff where they will stay until sunset on Tuesday, Jan. 29, in honor of former President Carter.
Gov. Beshear is encouraging other individuals, businesses and organizations across The Commonwealth to join in these tributes.
Louisiana
Gov. Jeff Landry issued a proclamation urging residents to display U.S. and "Make America Great Again" flags on Jan. 20 to honor Trump's inauguration.
“Today, under President Trump, begins a renaissance in this Nation. One where America and her people will always come first,” said Landry. “ In Louisiana, we think that is worthy of celebrating!”
The Louisiana Governor’s Mansion will also fly a “MAGA” flag to mark the occasion.
The new order suspends the period of mourning for the Bourbon Street attack victims to fly flags at full-staff. The new day of mourning is Friday.
Maine
Governor Janet Mills ordered Monday that the United States and State of Maine flags be flown at full-staff for the remainder of Monday, January 20, 2025 for Inauguration Day.
Flags will return to half-staff Tuesday, January 21, 2025 until sunset on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 in honor of former President Jimmy Carter.
Mississippi
Gov. Tate Reeves ordered flags at all buildings and grounds in Mississippi be raised to full-staff from sunrise to sunset in recognition of Trump's inauguration.
“This is a historic day for America, and Mississippi looks forward to celebrating it,” said Reeves. “Our state is excited for Donald J. Trump to be sworn in as president, and we look forward to supporting his America First agenda. Mississippi is ready to help Make America Great Again!”
Flags will return to half-staff beginning Jan. 21 at sunrise through Jan. 28 at sunset to honor Carter.
Missouri
Gov. Mike Kehoe ordered flags to be flown at full-staff on Inauguration Day in "an act of respect and patriotism."
“While Missouri continues to mourn the passing of former President Jimmy Carter and remembers his remarkable legacy of service to our nation by displaying our flags at half-staff, we will also celebrate the promise of a new chapter for our country and the opportunities that lie ahead,” said Kehoe. “To commemorate the democratic transition of power, I have directed all flags to be raised to full-staff for the inauguration of the 47th President of the United States, Donald J. Trump.”
The order will expire after 24 hours.
Montana
Gov. Greg Gianforte ordered flags to be raised from sunrise to sunset Jan. 20.
"While Montana continues to remember the memory of Former President Carter, we must also recognize this new chapter of leadership," he said in a statement.
Flags will be lowered to half-staff again through the remainder of Carter's mourning period through Jan. 28.
Nebraska
Gov. Jim Pillen ordered flags be risen to full-staff on Inauguration Day.
“The official installation of a President is a historic day in the calendar of our nation and should be recognized as such,” said Pillen. “Having the flag at full staff symbolizes the respect to that office and our nation’s newly elected leader.”
Flags will be lowered to half-staff come Tuesday morning where they will stay until Jan. 28 to honor Carter.
Nevada
Gov. Joe Lombardo announced Friday that flags in Nevada should be raised to full-staff on Monday, Jan. 20, in honor of Trump's inauguration. The flags will be lowered to half-staff after inauguration day to continue the period of mourning for Carter.
New York
Gov. Kathy Hochul has ordered flags be raised to full-staff in New York on Monday for Trump's inauguration. "Tomorrow, we are all Americans as we observe the centuries-old traditions of Inauguration Day," Hochul said in a statement to the New York Post on Sunday.
"For that reason, I am directing flags to fly at full staff throughout the State of New York on January 20 and return to half staff to honor the late President Carter on January 21," she said. "Regardless of your political views, the American tradition of the peaceful transition of power is something to celebrate."
North Carolina
Gov. Josh Stein on Friday ordered all U.S. and North Carolina flags at state facilities to fly at full staff on Monday, January 20 for Inauguration Day. Flags will return to half-staff on Tuesday to continue the tribute for Carter.
"I am pleased to raise flags in North Carolina on Inauguration Day to honor the new presidency and the peaceful transition of power, and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Flags will resume flying at half-staff Tuesday to continue the mourning period for President Jimmy Carter," Stein said in a statement.
North Dakota
Gov. Kelly Armstrong directed all flags at the North Dakota Capitol and all state buildings be raised to full-staff.
“The inauguration of a U.S. president is a time to celebrate, and the Stars and Stripes should fly high as a symbol of freedom and democracy on such a momentous day for our nation,” Armstrong said. “We will continue to honor the life and legacy of President Carter, as we should, by returning flags to half-staff on Jan. 21 as a mark of respect and reverence.”
Flags will lower to half-staff Tuesday morning and remain until Jan. 28 in honor of Carter.
Ohio
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has joined a handful of other governors in ordering flags to be raised on Inauguration Day. Flags will be lowered back to half-staff on Jan. 21 and remain lowered until Jan. 28 at sunset, per DeWine's order.
Oklahoma
Gov. J. Kevin Stitt lowered Oklahoma flags to half-staff the day after Carter's death was announced. Flags at state buildings have not needed to be lowered after that proclamation expired.
South Carolina
Gov. Henry McMaster has directed all flags at the South Carolina Capitol and all state buildings be raised to full-staff on Jan. 20 for Trump's inauguration. The flags will then return to half-staff at sunset.
South Dakota
Gov. Kristi Noem, Trump's nominee to be Secretary of Homeland Security, ordered on Thursday that flags be raised to full-staff across South Dakota on Monday in honor of Inauguration Day. The order says flags will return to half-staff on Jan. 21 and through the rest of the Carter mourning period.
Tennessee
Gov. Bill Lee announced Tennessee would fly flags at full-staff for Trump's inauguration.
It is not clear if flags on state grounds will return to half-staff Tuesday.
Texas
Gov. Greg Abbott ordered flags to be raised to full-staff on Inauguration Day.
"As we unite our country and usher in this new era of leadership, I ordered all flags to be raised to full-staff at the Texas Capitol and all state buildings for the inauguration of President Trump," he said. "While we honor the service of a former President, we must also celebrate the service of an incoming President and the bright future ahead for the United States of America.”
The announcement didn't include if flags would return to half-staff after Trump is sworn in.
Utah
Gov. Spencer J. Cox ordered state and nation flags be flown at full-staff in observance of Inauguration Day.
The order invited "all private citizens, businesses and organizations across the state to join in this tribute."
Flags will return to half-staff through sunset Jan. 28 to honor Carter.
Flags will return to half-staff on Tuesday to continue the mourning period for Carter.
Virginia
Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced Saturday that flags are to be flown at full-staff on all state and local buildings and grounds in Virginia on Monday for Trump's inauguration.
Flags will return to half-staff on Tuesday morning to continue the mourning period for Carter.
Washington
Gov. Bob Ferguson directed state and American flags at state agency facilities be raised to full-staff on Inauguration Day.
Flags will return to half-staff after sunset on Inauguration Day and last through sunset Jan. 29 to honor Carter's death.
West Virginia
Gov. Patrick Morrisey issued a proclamation ordering flags at the West Virginia State Capitol and all government buildings in the state flown at full staff on Jan. 20 for Trump's inauguration.
“West Virginians are excited to celebrate this historic day and welcome the transformational leadership of President Donald J. Trump,” Morrisey said. “On Monday, we will unite and honor the inauguration of the 47th President of the United States by raising our flags.”
Wyoming
Gov. Mark Gordon on Wednesday ordered flags be raised to full staff at all state buildings from sunrise to sunset on Jan. 20, 2025 in recognition of Trump's inauguration.
“It is correct for our country to celebrate the inauguration of a new president and honor it with our flags flying high, just as we should continue to honor the life and legacy of President Carter by returning them to half-staff on January 21. Both actions mark our respect and reverence for the importance of these times,” Gordon said.
Flags will be lowered again to half-staff from Jan. 21 through Jan. 28 in remember of Carter.
Have flags been at half-staff for a presidential inauguration before?
Yes, flags had also been at half-staff when then-President Richard Nixon was sworn in for his second term in January 1973, due to Nixon having ordered them lowered after the death of former President Harry S. Truman.
U.S. flag code dictates that flags remain lowered for the 30-day period from the death of a former president. But that code isn't mandatory, so once he becomes president, Trump could technically override it.
Which states will have flags at half-staff on Inauguration Day?
As of Saturday, here is the list of states that have confirmed they'll keep flags at half-staff on Jan. 20 or haven't announced their plans.
- Arizona
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Kansas
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- Wisconsin