The U.S. flags at American government buildings and embassies overseas are flying at half staff for a 30-day period following the death of former President Jimmy Carter on Dec. 29.
But eight Republican governors so far have ordered flags at full staff on Jan. 20, in honor of President Donald Trump’s inauguration that day. The flags would return to half staff on Tuesday until sunset on Jan. 28.
The governors who have ordered their flags to fly at full staff include: Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Idaho Gov. Brad Little, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen, North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott.
There are 27 Republican governors. Gov. Mike Dunleavy has been on an overseas mission to the United Arab Emirates. The fact that he has not directed the flag at full staff does not mean he won’t do it when he returns to Alaska.
As is customary, President Joe Biden ordered flags at half-staff “in honor and tribute to the memory of President James Earl Carter, Jr., and as an expression of public sorrow, do hereby direct that the flag of the United States be displayed at half-staff at the White House and on all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions for a period of 30 days from the day of his death. I also direct that, for the same length of time, the representatives of the United States in foreign countries shall make similar arrangements for the display of the flag at half‑staff over their embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.”
