Staff Reports
Former President Jimmy Carter passed away recently at the impressive age of 100, leaving behind a legacy that some might find hard to argue was remarkable, and perhaps others might find less so. Flags were initially set to fly at half-staff for a full 30 days in his honor, which, conveniently, would overlap with the inauguration of President Donald Trump. This miffed Trump, as any normal person’s inauguration should probably not be marred by the looming specter of half-mast flags, unless it’s a funeral, and this was supposed to be a celebration.
However, in a move that undoubtedly brought smiles to the faces of many conservatives, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson announced they would raise the flags to full-staff on Inauguration Day for a raucous celebration of American democracy – or at least the best part of it. Flags would return to half-staff the day after to recognize Carter’s contributions to the nation. Johnson made it very clear that the priority on January 20th is all about Trump taking the reins again and restoring some much-needed patriotism to the Capitol.
Trump’s frustration with the potential flag situation was palpable. He expressed bemusement that Democrats seemed almost gleeful at the thought of a half-mast inauguration, a sure sign that they are more focused on their personal agendas than on the flag that represents unity and pride. A flag at half-mast during an inauguration? Unprecedented! It’s not like it was anyone’s birthday, but the Democrats seemed to think it was their party.
Remember How Flags Were Going to Be Held at Half-Staff for Jimmy Carter? Well…
https://t.co/n8tpjHX0Fp— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) January 14, 2025
Meanwhile, the Trump camp wasn’t the only one to break the flag saga. Texas Governor Greg Abbott chimed in, clarifying that he too ordered flags to fly high in honor of Trump’s inauguration. Sure, there’s love for Carter in there somewhere, but this was not a time for somber reflection; it was time for a celebration of incoming leadership and a bright future. Governor Abbott’s proclamation echoed a broader sentiment that Trump’s supporters share. It’s time to pivot toward optimism, away from the past.
In the grand tapestry of U.S. history, Inauguration Day is not merely a formality; it’s a renewal of democratic spirit. So, while some were lamenting the loss of a president who crafted public policies that didn’t always seem to put America first, others were throwing the party of the century in recognition of a more proactive and America-first approach. So here’s to full-staff flags, the triumph of vibrant patriotism, and the continuing saga of the most unorthodox presidency in recent history. No half-measures here – just a full-steam-ahead journey back to greatness.
