Democrats proudly boast that Jimmy Carter’s death could overshadow Donald Trump’s upcoming inauguration because of a longstanding tradition.
Standard protocol requires all flags at federal buildings to be flown at half-staff for 30 days after the death of a former president.
Carter, the 39th US president, died on Sunday afternoon at the age of 100, almost two years after entering hospice care and just 22 days before Trump’s inauguration on January 20.
Outspoken MAGA critics and Democratic voters have joked that the flags at half-staff during such a crucial moment are Carter’s parting gift to Trump after their long feud.
“I’m so sad about the passing of this great man but this is going to piss off the orange clown so much and I’ve been convincing myself this whole time that this was Jimmy’s plan,” one person wrote.
Another added: “I can’t help but smile knowing the flags will be at half mast during Trump’s inauguration in honor of Jimmy Carter, one of the most decent people on the planet and the exact opposite of anyone else will come.’
“His parting gift: American flags will fly at half-mast on all federal buildings on Trump’s Inauguration Day.”
Advocates described the timing as an “enhanced, unintended consequence” of Carter’s death.
Democrats boast that Jimmy Carter’s death could overshadow Donald Trump’s upcoming inauguration due to long-held tradition
Standard protocol requires all flags to be flown at half-mast for 30 days after the death of a former president
Carter, 100, died Sunday afternoon, nearly two years after entering hospice care and just 22 days before Trump’s Jan. 20 inauguration. Pictured: Trump during his 2017 inauguration ceremony
“Flags will be at half-mast on Inauguration Day and that will detract from #CriminalTrump on his big day,” one person wrote.
“How appropriate the flags will be at half-mast on Inauguration Day,” another added.
But MAGA supporters are outraged by the suggestion, going so far as to create wild conspiracy theories implying that Carter’s death announcement was deliberately delayed to rain on Trump’s parade.
“DemocRATS made the official announcement at that moment to ensure the flags would be flown at half-mast during the second inauguration,” someone wrote on X.
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, flags must be flown at half-staff at “all federal buildings, grounds, and naval vessels” for the 30 days following the death of a president or former president, marking a period of mourning for the country.
Almost seven years ago, at the age of 93, Carter launched some memorable shots at Trump in one interview on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
It came at a time when Democrats were in turmoil during Trump’s first term.
‘Does America want some kind of idiot as president?’ Colbert asked Carter in 2018, a year into Trump’s first term.
“Apparently, given the recent elections, yes. I never knew before,” Carter replied.
MAGA supporters are outraged by the suggestion, going so far as to create and spread wild conspiracy theories implying that the announcement of Carter’s death was delayed purely because of rain on Trump’s parade.
Outspoken MAGA critics and Democratic voters have joked that the half-staff flags are Carter’s parting gift to Trump after their long feud
The Democratic former peanut farmer served one term in the White House from 1977 to 1981 and devoted the rest of his life to philanthropy
Trump will be honored at his inauguration ceremony on January 20, eight years after he was first named president
Trump hit back at Carter, repeatedly criticizing him in campaign speeches until this fall — including on his 100th birthday.
The president-elect has launched cabinet announcements and policy ideas as he prepares to take the oath of office for the second time following his historic comeback.
But Carter will be remembered in Washington, DC and Georgia just days before the inauguration.
The Democratic former peanut farmer served one term in the White House from 1977 to 1981 and devoted the rest of his life to charity.
After Carter’s death, Trump issued a statement saying the nation owed the 39th president a “debt of gratitude” for his service.
President Joe Biden announced Sunday afternoon that Carter will receive a state funeral.
“To honor a great American, I will order an official state funeral in Washington DC for James Earl Carter, Jr., 39th President of the United States, 76th Governor of Georgia, Lieutenant of the United States Navy, graduate of the United States Naval Academy, and favorite son of Plains, Georgia, who gave his life in service to God and country,” Biden said.
Carter’s body will lie in state in the Capitol Rotunda on January 9.