The “Make America Great Again” flag will be flown above the Louisiana governor’s mansion in honour of President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration, Republican Governor Jeff Landry announced on Friday.
“Today, under President Trump, begins a renaissance in this Nation,” Landry stated in a written announcement. “One where America and her people will always come first. In Louisiana, we think that is worthy of celebrating!”
As a staunch supporter of Trump, Landry encouraged residents of Louisiana to raise MAGA flags on Inauguration Day. Previously, Landry had ordered flags on state buildings lowered to half-staff in remembrance of the 14 victims of the New Year’s terror attack in New Orleans.
Trump’s inauguration coincided with a mourning period Landry had initially designated for British national Edward Pettifer, the stepson of Prince William’s former nanny. A spokesperson for Landry informed reporters that state flags would now be lowered to honour Pettifer on 24 January instead.
Earlier this week, US House Speaker Mike Johnson directed flags at the Capitol to be raised to full height on Inauguration Day, temporarily interrupting a 30-day period of lowered flags following the death of former President Jimmy Carter last month. Johnson confirmed the flags would be lowered again the next day.
Governors from multiple states, including North Dakota, Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, Iowa, California, and Texas, also announced plans to raise US flags in their states for the inauguration.
President Joe Biden’s 29 December directive for lowering flags applies to federal buildings, US embassies, and facilities abroad and remains in effect through 28 January, during Trump’s first week in office.
Trump has expressed dissatisfaction over flags being flown at half-staff on Inauguration Day. On 3 January, he posted on social media, 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!”
The incoming president has already begun flying US flags at full height at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
Follow us on:
