Why are US flags being flown at half-staff?
On Sunday, Biden ordered that US flags be flown at half-staff in honour of the late former president. It is an honor that signifies that the nation or a state is in mourning.
The US flag code lays out parameters for decreasing the US flag to half-staff, together with a 30-day interval for present or former presidents to cowl flags at federal authorities buildings and their grounds, in addition to at US embassies and different amenities overseas, together with army installations and vessels.
Flags may be lowered to commemorate the deaths of different officers, together with the vice chairman, Supreme Court docket justices and members of Congress, though these durations aren’t as lengthy.
Flags can be ordered lowered in different circumstances, together with a nationwide tragedy or on Memorial Day.
Since US flag code states that no flag ought to fly increased than the American flag on the identical pole or close by, state flags get lowered throughout these durations, too.
How lengthy will flags be lowered?
Based on Biden’s proclamation, US flags will probably be lowered for 30 days from Carter’s loss of life, till Jan. 28.
With the inauguration on Jan. 20, that signifies that flags will probably be at half-staff when Trump takes workplace and for the primary week of his administration.
Who decides when to decrease flags?
Based on the US Normal Companies Administration, the president, a governor and the mayor of the District of Columbia can order US flags to be flown at half-staff.
What has Trump stated about flags being lowered?
On Friday, Trump posted on social media that “Democrats are all giddy'” concerning the notion that flags will probably be lowered when he takes workplace as president.
“No one needs to see this,” Trump wrote. He added that “no American may be blissful about it. Let’s have a look at the way it performs out. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
Requested about Trump’s publish at Friday’s briefing, White Home press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated Biden wouldn’t take into account reversing or reevaluating the half-staff plans.
Can Trump resolve to lift the flags?
Sure. US flag code dictates that flags stay lowered for the 30-day interval from the loss of life of a former president. However that code is not necessary, so as soon as he turns into president, Trump may technically override it.
That is what occurred in February 1973, when then-President Richard Nixon opted to lift flags – which he had ordered lowered in mourning following the loss of life of former President Lyndon Johnson – earlier than the 30-day mark to honour the primary American prisoners of warfare launched from Vietnam. The hiatus solely lasted a day, and flags went again to half-staff thereafter for eight days.
Flags had additionally been at half-staff when Nixon was sworn in for his second time period in January 1973, on account of Nixon having ordered them lowered as a result of loss of life of former President Harry S. Truman.
Has Trump taken problem with decreasing flags earlier than?
Sure. After the loss of life of Arizona Republican Sen. John McCain – with whom Trump had a fractious relationship – in 2018, the Stars and Stripes have been briefly lowered to half-staff over the weekend however went again as much as full top the next Monday, whereas flags on the US Capitol and elsewhere stayed at half-staff.
The flag was lowered once more to half-staff after complaints from individuals in each the Republican and Democratic events. Former presidents spoke at McCain’s funeral, however the senator’s household made clear they didn’t need Trump to attend.
