Abbott Orders Flags to Full-Staff for Inauguration Day

AUSTIN, TX – Governor Greg Abbott announced on Monday, January 13,  that all flags at the Texas Capitol and state buildings will be raised to full-staff on January 20 in honor of Inauguration Day.

In a press release, Abbott explained that this follows a federal rule requiring U.S. flags to be displayed at full staff on Inauguration Day. This decision will adjust President Joe Biden’s December 29 order, which called for flags to be flown at half-staff for 30 days after former President Jimmy Carter's death.

“While we honor the service of a former President, we must also celebrate the service of an incoming President,” Abbott said in a statement.

The federal rule Abbott referenced states that flags must be raised on Inauguration Day, regardless of other proclamations. In response to Biden’s original statement, Abbott clarified that flags in Texas would return to half-staff after the observance.

“Texas continues to mourn with our fellow Americans over the passing of former President Jimmy Carter. His leadership left a lasting impact, and as a country, we’ve lowered flags to half-staff for 30 days in his honor. But on January 20, we also celebrate our democracy by inaugurating the 47th President of the United States, Donald J. Trump,” Abbott said.

While Texas continues to honor President Carter’s legacy, Abbott said that Inauguration Day is also about recognizing the beginning of a new chapter under President Donald Trump’s leadership.