President-elect Donald Trump reacted Friday to the U.S. flag being flown at half-staff during Inauguration Day, writing that "nobody wants to see this."
The Context
President Joe Biden ordered all flags to be at half-staff for 30 days to pay tribute to late President Jimmy Carter, who died on December 29 at his home in Georgia.
Biden said in a proclamation that "the flag of the United States be displayed at half-staff at the White House and on all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions for a period of 30 days from the day of his death."
What To Know
Biden's proclamation is in effect until sunset January 28 and Trump took to Truth Social to rail against the flag flying at half-staff on his big day.
"The Democrats are all 'giddy' about our magnificent American Flag potentially being at 'half mast' during my Inauguration," the incoming president wrote on Truth Social. "They think it's so great, and are so happy about it because, in actuality, they don't love our Country, they only think about themselves."
He added: "Look at what they've done to our once GREAT America over the past four years - It's a total mess! In any event, because of the death of President Jimmy Carter, the Flag may, for the first time ever during an Inauguration of a future President, be at half mast. Nobody wants to see this, and no American can be happy about it. Let's see how it plays out. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!"
It is customary for flags to fly at half-staff for 30 days after the death of a president or former president.
Biden also said in an executive order this week that "all executive departments and agencies of the Federal Government shall be closed on January 9, 2025," with some exceptions, in remembrance of Carter.
Trump, as well as other living former presidents, put out a statement commemorating Carter's legacy after his death.
"The challenges Jimmy faced as President came at a pivotal time for our country and he did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans," he posted on Truth Social. "For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude. Melania and I are thinking warmly of the Carter Family and their loved ones during this difficult time. We urge everyone to keep them in their hearts and prayers."
But Trump's praise for Carter didn't go over well with some of his staunchest supporters on Truth Social, as Raw Story first reported.
"Lol, I know you're being nice. But you're tripping," one user, Theodore Winters, said in response to Trump. "Carter was a terrible president and damaged The United States Of America to such an extent that we are STILL dealing with his horribly [sic] policy decisions and his inflation repercussions in 2024."
Another user who identifies themselves as an "America First" veteran also chimed in: "Jimmy Carter pardoned all the Vietnam draft dodgers that forced other men to take their place! Many of these men did not come home. Personally, I think Carter lived a long life to suffer for the pardons to the draft dodgers he pardoned."
What People Are Saying
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre gave a blunt response when asked during Friday's briefing if Biden would consider reevaluating the decision to fly flags at half-staff: "No."
What Comes Next
Trump's inauguration will take place on January 20 at the U.S. Capitol, which is among the buildings covered by Biden's mandate. The president-elect will also attend Carter's state funeral at the Washington National Cathedral on January 9, along with Biden and other former presidents.
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