WASHINGTON, D.C. — House Speaker Mike Johnson has directed that flags at the U.S. Capitol be flown at full staff on Inauguration Day for President-elect Donald J. Trump.
The directive comes after initial discussions regarding flag protocol, with President-elect Trump reportedly expressing dissatisfaction over plans to keep flags at half-staff.
Traditionally, flags are flown at half-staff for mourning or remembrance, making the decision to raise them for the inauguration a notable departure from established practices.
Republican governors in multiple states have echoed the move, describing it as a gesture of celebration for the peaceful transition of power.
The U.S. flag code generally reserves the half-staff position for specific solemn occasions, and raising the flags aligns with the celebratory nature of an inauguration.
Preparations for the January event in Washington, D.C., are underway, with security and logistical plans being finalized.