Red states will not comply with Biden’s orders.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott made a bold move on Monday, ordering that flags in the state be raised to full staff on January 20, the day President Donald Trump will be inaugurated for his second term. This decision directly counters President Biden’s directive to fly flags at half-staff for 30 days in memory of former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away on December 29, 2023, at the age of 100.
Governor Abbott expressed his respect for the late President Carter’s legacy, acknowledging his leadership and contributions to the nation. “Texas mourns the loss of former President Jimmy Carter along with the rest of the nation,” Abbott said in a statement. “His leadership will be remembered, and as a nation, we honor his memory by lowering flags to half-staff for 30 days.”
However, Abbott emphasized the importance of recognizing the peaceful transfer of power in the United States, a hallmark of American democracy. “On January 20, we will celebrate the inauguration of our 47th President, Donald J. Trump,” Abbott continued. “While we mourn a former president’s passing, we must also honor the transition of power that strengthens our nation’s future.” For this reason, Abbott ordered all flags at the Texas Capitol and other state buildings to fly at full staff, signaling the start of a new chapter in America’s leadership.
The White House had set flags to half-staff until January 28 in observance of Carter’s death. However, Abbott’s decision reflects his view that while it’s important to pay respects to a former president, the inauguration of a new president is equally deserving of recognition and celebration.
Following Carter’s death, Trump made his thoughts known on social media, criticizing Democrats for their “giddy” reaction to the idea of flags being lowered during his inauguration. He expressed frustration with the lack of patriotic respect and declared that no American would be pleased to see the flag at half-staff during such a pivotal moment in the nation’s history.
Governor Abbott’s decision is a clear message: Texas stands ready to embrace a new era of leadership, proud of its traditions and committed to celebrating American greatness at every turn.