Gov. Kathy Hochul has ordered all flags in the State of New York to be raised to full-staff for Donald Trump’s inauguration as the 47th US president.
Flags are currently flying at half-staff across the nation to mark the death of former President Jimmy Carter, who died Dec. 29 at the age of 100.
Per American flag code, the Stars and Stripes are lowered on “all federal buildings, grounds and naval vessels” nationwide to mark the death of a sitting or former president.
However, Hochul is bucking convention, at least temporarily.
“Tomorrow, we are all Americans as we observe the centuries-old traditions of Inauguration Day,” Hochul said in a statement to The Post.
“For that reason, I am directing flags to fly at full staff throughout the State of New York on January 20 and return to half staff to honor the late President Carter on January 21,” she added.
“Regardless of your political views, the American tradition of the peaceful transition of power is something to celebrate.”
Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella expressed similar sentiment in a letter he penned to Hochul Sunday obtained by The Post.
“I am writing to respectfully request that all flags across the state of New York be raised in honor of President Trump’s inauguration,” his note reads in part.
“This gesture would serve as a symbol of unity and respect for the Office of the President, regardless of political affiliation. It is important to recognize an honor of the Democratic process and the peaceful transition of power that is cornerstone of our nation’s values.”
Hochul is joining liberal Democratic governors including Gavin Newsom of California and Jared Polis of Colorado, who have both ordered flags in their respective states flown at full mast for the duration of Monday’s inauguration.
Last week, House Speaker Mike Johnson similarly ordered all US flags at the Capitol to fly at their full height when Trump takes the oath of office.
“On January 20th, the flags at the Capitol will fly at full-staff to celebrate our country coming together behind the inauguration” of the president-elect, Johnson (R-La.) said in a statement.
“The flags will be lowered back to half-staff the following day to continue honoring President Jimmy Carter,” he added.
Republican governors around the country followed suit, such as GOP Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, who announced American flags at government outposts in the Lone Star State would be flown full-staff in recognition of the new president being sworn in.
Twenty-eight states in all will have their flags raised on Jan. 20 to honor the inauguration.
Trump himself had expressed consternation that flags would be lowered on Inauguration Day, hitting out at social media liberals on Truth Social for being “giddy” over the implication that the nation would be in mourning for his assumption of office.
“Nobody wants to see this, and no American can be happy about it. Let’s see how it plays out. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!” Trump wrote Jan. 3.
Fossella Sunday night praised Hochul for agreeing to direct flags to fly full staff for Trump’s inauguration.
“We want to thank Governor Hochul for hearing our request and issuing an order for flags across the state of New York to fly full staff tomorrow for the inauguration of President Trump,” Fossella, a Republican, said.
“The governor deserves credit for recognizing the importance of coming together as a nation and encouraging unity among all New Yorkers and Americans. Tomorrow, we will look ahead to the future of our country.”
