The “Make America Great Again” flag will be displayed above the Louisiana governor’s mansion in honor of President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration, Republican Governor Jeff Landry announced Friday.
“Today, under President Trump, begins a renaissance in this Nation,” Landry declared in a written statement. “One where America and her people will always come first. In Louisiana, we think that is worthy of celebrating!”
As a vocal supporter of Trump, Landry urged Louisiana residents to display MAGA flags on Inauguration Day. This follows Landry’s recent order to lower state flags to half-staff in memory of the 14 victims of the New Year’s terror attack in New Orleans.
Initially, Landry had planned to lower flags statewide on Inauguration Day to honor Edward Pettifer, a British national and stepson of Prince William’s former nanny. However, his office announced that Pettifer would now be honored on January 24 instead.
This announcement comes amidst broader controversy over flag protocols tied to Inauguration Day. US House Speaker Mike Johnson ordered Capitol flags raised to full height for the inauguration, briefly interrupting a 30-day mourning period for former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away last month. Johnson assured that flags would be lowered again the next day.
Governors in states like North Dakota, Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, Iowa, California, and Texas also announced plans to raise US flags for the inauguration.
Meanwhile, President Joe Biden’s directive to lower flags on federal buildings, embassies, and overseas facilities through January 28 remains in effect during Trump’s first week in office.
Trump criticized the flag-lowering protocol on social media earlier this month, stating, “Democrats are all ‘giddy’ about the notion that flags will be lowered on Inauguration Day. Nobody wants to see this. No American can be happy about it. Let’s see how it plays out. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
In contrast, Trump has already begun flying US flags at full height at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.
The decision to fly the MAGA flag and the ongoing debates over flag protocol have sparked mixed reactions, highlighting deep political divides as the nation prepares for the incoming administration.
