Hochul Orders Flags Raised to Full-Staff for Inauguration Despite Carter’s Death

Edited by: TJVNews.com

In a significant and unconventional move, New York Governor Kathy Hochul has directed all flags across the state to be raised to full-staff in recognition of Donald Trump’s inauguration as the 47th President of the United States. The decision, which briefly suspends the current half-staff display honoring the late President Jimmy Carter, draws attention to the importance of the peaceful transfer of power, according to a report that appeared on Sunday in The New York Post.

Flags nationwide are presently flying at half-staff in mourning for Carter, who passed away on December 29 at the age of 100. Following standard protocol outlined in the American flag code, the lowering of flags on federal buildings, grounds, and naval vessels commemorates the death of any sitting or former president. However, as reported by The New York Post, Hochul has temporarily altered this tradition to acknowledge the historic nature of Inauguration Day.

“Tomorrow, we are all Americans as we observe the centuries-old traditions of Inauguration Day,” Hochul stated in a message shared on Sunday with The New York Post. She added, “For that reason, I am directing flags to fly at full staff throughout the State of New York on January 20 and return to half staff to honor the late President Carter on January 21. Regardless of your political views, the American tradition of the peaceful transition of power is something to celebrate.”

The move has drawn support from Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella, who echoed similar sentiments in a letter addressed to Hochul. Obtained by The New York Post, Fossella’s letter urged the governor to honor Trump’s inauguration by raising the flags. “This gesture would serve as a symbol of unity and respect for the Office of the President, regardless of political affiliation,” Fossella wrote. “It is important to recognize and honor the democratic process and the peaceful transition of power that is a cornerstone of our nation’s values.”

“We want to thank Governor Hochul for hearing our request and issuing an order for flags across the state of New York to fly full staff tomorrow for the inauguration of President Trump,” Fossella, a Republican, told The New York Post.

Fossella also highlighted the broader significance of Hochul’s decision, calling it a step toward national unity. “The governor deserves credit for recognizing the importance of coming together as a nation and encouraging unity among all New Yorkers and Americans,” he said, according to The New York Post. “Tomorrow, we will look ahead to the future of our country.”

Hochul’s decision aligns her with other Democratic governors, including California’s Gavin Newsom and Colorado’s Jared Polis, who have also directed flags in their respective states to be flown at full-staff during the inauguration, as noted in The New York Post report. These actions demonstrate bipartisan recognition of Inauguration Day as a key event in American democracy, transcending political divides.

The gesture comes amid broader national discussions about the symbolic importance of unity and respect for democratic institutions. According to the information in The New York Post report, House Speaker Mike Johnson also ordered all U.S. flags at the Capitol to be raised to full-staff for Trump’s swearing-in, emphasizing the significance of maintaining traditions that celebrate the orderly transfer of power.