U.S. flags across the country will be flown at half-mast on January 20 - coinciding with President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration—following President Joe Biden’s directive to honour the late former President Jimmy Carter.

The decision, however, has sparked controversy, with Trump expressing discontent over the timing. Taking to his social media platform, Truth Social, the Republican leader criticized Democrats, accusing them of celebrating the situation.

“Nobody wants to see this, and no American can be happy about it,” Trump wrote. “The Democrats are all ‘giddy’ about our magnificent American flag potentially being at ‘half-mast’ during my inauguration. They think it’s great, but it’s because they don’t love our country,” he added.

Tribute to former president Carter

The White House announced that Biden’s decision to lower the flags was made to honour Carter, the 39th U.S. president, who passed away on December 29 at the age of 99. As per U.S. tradition, flags are flown at half-mast for 30 days on federal properties following the death of a former president.

Jimmy Carter

A state funeral for Carter, the longest-lived president in U.S. history, is scheduled for January 9, with commemorations spanning six days. Biden has encouraged Americans to visit places of worship and pay tribute to Carter’s legacy.

Trump criticises timing

Trump, who has often been critical of Carter’s policies, suggested the possibility of reversing the decision to lower the flags during his inauguration. “The half-mast ‘may’ happen; let’s see how it plays out,” he stated, hinting at potential changes.

Despite his earlier criticism of Carter, Trump confirmed his attendance at the funeral service and commended the late president’s commitment to the nation.

“While I strongly disagreed with him politically, I realized he truly loved and respected our country,” Trump wrote.

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White House response

The White House dismissed speculation about reversing the flag directive. Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre clarified that the administration remains steadfast in honouring Carter.

“The flags will stay at half-mast as a mark of respect for President Carter,” she told reporters, emphasizing that the directive aligns with long-standing protocols.