Staff Reports
The political atmosphere in Washington, D.C. just got a little more interesting as House Speaker Mike Johnson has announced a flag-flying spectacle unlike any other: the gleaming stars and stripes will be fully unfurled in celebration of Donald Trump’s upcoming inauguration as the 47th President of the United States. This decision comes on the heels of Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s bold move to also fly flags at full-staff during the ceremony, daring to stand up against President Biden’s insistence on lowering flags to half-staff as part of a 30-day period of mourning for the late President Jimmy Carter.
In an age where Washington’s attire seems often dictated by the whims of the current administration, Johnson’s declaration is a refreshing rebuttal. The full-staff display during Trump’s inauguration, planned for January 20, is intended to symbolize national unity, showcasing how America can rally behind a leader whose very name sends shivers down the spines of certain elites. Meanwhile, the flags will be sent back to half-staff the day after, presumably to acknowledge Carter’s contributions, albeit under the cloud of Biden’s feeble presidency.
Trump had previously urged the White House to reconsider its flag protocol for the inauguration, but the White House, apparently too busy with its own disarray, left their response stuck somewhere between confusion and compliance. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre made clear that no such lifting of orders would occur, leaving plenty of room for the states to take matters into their own hands, as Governor Abbott has demonstrated.
House speaker announces flags at US Capitol to fly at full-staff during Trump inauguration https://t.co/30ssdBhDF3
— John Solomon (@jsolomonReports) January 14, 2025
Johnson’s move is not only a “celebration” of Trump’s inauguration; it sends a pointed message about the power of local governance standing up against federal overreach. With Biden’s federal order rooted in Section 4 of the U.S. code, the reality is there are no real penalties for states or governmental bodies that choose to flout the edict. Essentially, it’s a game of who is willing to stand by the Constitution and wave their colors high and proud—not that anyone should expect fealty to the norms from the Democrats, these days.
In a country where the political landscape is as divided as a Thanksgiving dinner with too many relatives sharing their views, such a bold declaration from Speaker Johnson might just be the breath of fresh air conservatives have been hoping for. It serves as a reminder that patriotism and honoring the flag can still hold a prominent place, even amid Biden’s less-than-inspiring leadership. The Capitol on January 20 might just resemble a scene taken straight from a more patriotic time, as Trump supporters raise their voices and their flags, signaling that there’s still a contingent ready to celebrate American greatness against all odds.
