Newsom Joins Other Governors Decision For Flag
Well, here’s a twist you don’t see every day: Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom is breaking from the pack to temporarily raise the American flag to full height at the state Capitol for President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration next week.
Yes, you read that right. Newsom, a Democrat who has sparred publicly with Trump in the past, is joining a handful of Republican governors—and House Speaker Mike Johnson—in a decision that’s both symbolic and, let’s be honest, likely to raise a few eyebrows.
For context, flags at government buildings across the country are currently flying at half-staff in honor of former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away on December 29, 2024. By tradition, flags remain lowered for 30 days of mourning, which extends past Trump’s January 20 inauguration.
But here’s where it gets interesting: governors like Newsom, along with Idaho Gov. Brad Little, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, and others, have decided to raise the flag to full-staff just for the day of Trump’s swearing-in. After the ceremony, the flags will be lowered again until the mourning period for Carter officially ends on January 28.
The decision by Newsom is especially notable because, so far, he’s the only Democratic governor to follow this path. Meanwhile, Southern California is battling devastating wildfires, which might make his choice even more politically sensitive. But whatever the motivations, Newsom’s move stands in stark contrast to the partisan fireworks surrounding Trump’s reaction to the flag situation.
Trump, unsurprisingly, has been vocal about his feelings. He took to Truth Social earlier this month to slam Democrats for what he perceives as their enthusiasm over the flag remaining at half-staff during his inauguration.
In true Trump fashion, he didn’t mince words, accusing Democrats of being “giddy” and of not loving the country. He even called the situation “a total mess” while throwing in a few nods to his signature “Make America Great Again” mantra.
But here’s the kicker: Trump’s complaint about this being unprecedented? Not quite. Back in 1973, flags were flown at half-staff for Richard Nixon’s second inauguration because of the death of former President Harry Truman. So, while this may be rare, it’s not exactly uncharted territory.