Despite President Biden's mandate for flags to fly at half-staff for 30 days to mourn the passing of former President Jimmy Carter, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has directed flags at state buildings to be raised to full-staff for Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20th. This decision coincides with a period of national mourning, as the 30-day period honoring Carter includes Inauguration Day.

While tradition dictates a 30-day mourning period with flags at half-staff following the death of a former president, DeSantis joins other Republican governors in deviating from this custom. He has instructed that flags at the Florida Capitol and all state buildings be flown at full height on January 20th.

DeSantis explained his decision, stating that this unique circumstance, where the nation celebrates a new president while commemorating a former one, calls for the flag to be displayed at full-staff. He cited the tradition of the founding fathers and the sacrifices made by those who have served to maintain liberty. The governor added that flags would be lowered to half-staff again on January 21st to honor President Carter.

House Speaker Mike Johnson also directed flags at the U.S. Capitol to be flown at full-staff on Inauguration Day. Trump previously expressed criticism about the possibility of flags being at half-staff during his inauguration, interpreting it as a slight against him and the country. He questioned the Democrats' motives and reiterated his "Make America Great Again" slogan.

This situation mirrors a historical precedent: flags were flown at half-staff during former President Nixon's second inauguration in 1973, following Nixon's order to lower them after the death of former President Truman.