California Governor Gavin Newsom has announced he will temporarily raise U.S. flags to full height at the state Capitol in Sacramento during President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration, aligning with similar directives from Republican governors across the country.
The decision comes as flags nationwide currently fly at half-staff to honor former President Jimmy Carter. Newsom's spokesperson Izzy Gardon confirmed the governor's directive on Wednesday.
Several Republican state leaders, including governors from Idaho, North Dakota, Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, Iowa, and Texas, have announced plans to briefly raise flags for the inauguration before returning them to half-staff on January 21st to continue honoring Carter.
The move represents an unusual moment of alignment between Newsom, who has frequently clashed with Trump, and Republican leadership. California currently seeks federal assistance for recovery efforts following devastating wildfires that claimed over two dozen lives.
Trump had previously expressed displeasure about American flags being flown at half-staff during his inauguration, stating on his social media platform that "Nobody wants to see this, and no American can be happy about it."
House Speaker Mike Johnson has also joined the bipartisan effort to raise flags during the inauguration ceremony, demonstrating a coordinated approach across state and federal levels to mark the presidential transition while still respecting the period of mourning for former President Carter.