Gov. Kathy Hochul’s decision to temporarily raise flags to full-staff for Donald Trump’s inauguration as the 47th U.S. president has generated attention.
While flags across the nation have been lowered to half-staff following the death of former President Jimmy Carter, Hochul, along with a few other Democratic governors, has chosen to raise the flags in honor of the Inauguration Day on January 20.
Hochul emphasized the importance of respecting the peaceful transition of power, regardless of political views. Flags in New York will return to half-staff on January 21 to honor Carter.
This action aligns with similar decisions made by governors Gavin Newsom of California and Jared Polis of Colorado, as well as House Speaker Mike Johnson, who ordered U.S. flags at the Capitol to be raised during the inauguration.
Many Republican governors, including Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, also ordered flags at full-staff for the occasion.
Trump himself expressed dissatisfaction on social media, criticizing the lowered flags and expressing his intention to address the situation.
The decision reflects a broader tradition of acknowledging the peaceful transfer of power, even amidst political divisions.