America needs answers.
A growing controversy is unfolding in New Jersey after Gov. Mikie Sherrill came under fire for reportedly keeping American flags at full-staff despite a White House proclamation ordering U.S. flags nationwide to be flown at half-staff in honor of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C.
The dispute has sparked criticism from Republican lawmakers, who argue that honoring a longtime U.S. senator and military veteran should rise above politics.
Why This Matters
For generations, lowering the American flag has served as a bipartisan symbol of respect for leaders who dedicated their lives to public service. Critics say failing to follow a nationwide proclamation risks turning a solemn tribute into a political controversy.
The debate has also renewed questions about whether elected officials should set aside partisan differences during moments of national remembrance.
New Jersey Draws Criticism Over Flag Decision
The White House directed U.S. flags to be flown at half-staff through Saturday evening following the passing of Sen. Lindsey Graham.
However, reports indicated that flags at the New Jersey State Capitol remained at full-staff. The New Jersey Department of State’s online flag status page also listed “all flags full-staff” during the controversy.
Gov. Sherrill’s office did not respond to multiple requests for comment explaining the decision.
That silence fueled criticism from New Jersey State Sen. Joe Pennacchio, who formally asked the governor earlier in the week to lower the flags in accordance with the national proclamation.
“This is probably the most political administration I’ve served with in the last 25 years,” Pennacchio said.
Republican Lawmaker Says Respect Should Come Before Politics
Pennacchio emphasized that his request had nothing to do with party politics.
Instead, he argued that Graham’s decades of public service, military background, and willingness to work across party lines deserved recognition regardless of political affiliation.
“My request was very respectful,” Pennacchio said. “It wasn’t partisan at all.”
Pennacchio also noted that Sherrill is herself a military veteran, making the decision even more surprising to him.
Other States Lowered Their Flags
While New Jersey faced criticism, several other governors followed the White House proclamation by ordering flags lowered in honor of Graham.
Reports indicated that Delaware, Pennsylvania, California, Colorado, and Maryland all observed the directive.
Meanwhile, New York and Virginia also appeared to keep their official flag status at full-staff as of Thursday, prompting questions directed to those governors’ offices as well.
Lindsey Graham Earned Respect Across Party Lines
Supporters pointed out that Graham built a reputation over decades in Washington for occasionally working with lawmakers from both parties.
Pennacchio recalled Graham’s belief that senators should evaluate Supreme Court nominees based on qualifications rather than party affiliation, pointing to his votes supporting Democratic nominees Elena Kagan and Sonia Sotomayor.
According to Pennacchio, Graham frequently argued that constitutional responsibilities should come before partisan politics.
Even Democrats Praised Graham’s Legacy
The controversy became more notable because one of New Jersey’s own Democratic senators publicly honored Graham following his passing.
Sen. Cory Booker released a video recalling how Graham partnered with him on criminal justice reform after initially joking that he couldn’t even be seen working with Democrats during a South Carolina primary campaign.
Booker said Graham ultimately kept his promise.
“True to his word, he rolled up his sleeves and went to work,” Booker said, crediting their bipartisan cooperation with helping pass the First Step Act.
Pennacchio praised Booker for recognizing Graham’s legacy despite their political differences.
“Senator Booker is as partisan as they come, but he did the right thing and put his partisanship aside,” Pennacchio said. “The death of one diminishes a little bit of all of us.”
Republicans Continue Calling For Answers
New Jersey Congressman Christopher Smith also remembered Graham as a dedicated public servant whose work left a lasting mark on the nation.
Smith praised Graham’s commitment to human rights, freedom, and public service while offering condolences to his family.
Meanwhile, Republicans continue calling on Gov. Sherrill to explain why New Jersey did not appear to follow the White House’s proclamation.
What Happens Next?
As of now, Gov. Sherrill has not publicly addressed the criticism or explained why New Jersey’s flags reportedly remained at full-staff.
The issue has become another flashpoint in the ongoing debate over whether official acts of national mourning should remain above partisan politics.
For many critics, the question isn’t about party affiliation—it’s about honoring decades of military and public service with the respect traditionally shown to leaders who dedicated their lives to the country.
Whether the governor ultimately responds or not, the controversy has already sparked a broader conversation about tradition, unity, and the importance of setting politics aside during moments of national remembrance.