California Governor’s Decision to Honor Trump on Inauguration Day
In a notable move, California’s Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom has announced that the American flag will be raised to full height at the state Capitol on January 20, coinciding with President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration. This decision aligns him with several Republican governors and House Speaker Mike Johnson.
Temporary Flag Protocol Amid Mourning
Traditionally, flags across the United States are flown at half-staff following significant national losses. Currently, they are lowered in memory of former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away on December 29, 2024. However, for this special occasion of Trump’s inauguration, flags will be temporarily elevated before returning to half-staff on January 21 as part of a designated mourning period lasting until January 28—just days after Trump takes office.
A Unique Stance Among Democrats
As of Thursday morning, Newsom stands out as the sole Democratic governor making this proclamation during a time when Southern California is grappling with devastating wildfires. His decision contrasts sharply with those made by various Republican leaders including Idaho’s Brad Little and Florida’s Ron DeSantis.
House Speaker Johnson has also mandated that flags at the U.S. Capitol fly high for Trump’s inauguration day despite ongoing mourning for Carter.
Trump’s Reaction to Flag Protocols
Former President Trump has expressed his discontent regarding any potential plans for flags to remain at half-staff during his inauguration due to Carter’s death. He took to Truth Social on January 3rd stating that some Democrats seem pleased about this possibility and criticized their patriotism while reflecting on what he perceives as a decline in America over recent years.
He remarked: “The Democrats are all ‘giddy’ about our magnificent American Flag potentially being at ‘half mast’ during my Inauguration… Nobody wants to see this.”
Historical Context of Flag Protocols During Inaugurations
Historically speaking, there have been instances where flags were flown at half-staff during presidential inaugurations; notably when Richard Nixon was sworn in for his second term in 1973 following Harry S. Truman’s passing—a gesture ordered by Nixon himself after Truman died from pneumonia complications.
This upcoming event marks an unusual intersection between tradition and contemporary political dynamics as it unfolds against a backdrop of national mourning while simultaneously celebrating a new administration taking charge.
Newsom’s directive reflects both respect for tradition and an acknowledgment of current events impacting California and beyond. As we approach Inauguration Day amidst these complex sentiments surrounding loss and renewal within American leadership narratives continue evolving.