Jimmy Carter's death means flags will likely fly at half staff on Inauguration Day
(FOX 9) - After the passing of former president Jimmy Carter, flags are expected to be at half staff when Donald Trump is sworn in to his second term on Inauguration Day.
Jimmy Carter dies at age 100
What we know: The Carter Center confirmed Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States, passed away on Sunday.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs states that the flag should fly at half-staff for 30-days following the death of a president or former president. For other political figures, like a vice president or Supreme Court chief justice, the time period of mourning is ten days.
Under this understanding, the flag would remain at half staff until at least January 28.
The backstory: This isn't the first time a presidential death has put flags at half staff on Inauguration Day. Harry Truman's death in December 1972 left flags at half staff for when President Richard Nixon was sworn in for his second term in January 1973.
The rules for flying a flag at half staff were created in 1954 under a proclamation from President Dwight Eisenhower.
Reaction to Jimmy Carter's passing
What they're saying: President-elect Trump issued a statement on Sunday remembering Carter and his late wife Rosalynn Carter.
"I just heard of the news about the passing of President Jimmy Carter," Trump writes. "Those of us who have been fortunate to have served as President understand this is a very exclusive club, and only we can relate to the enormous responsibility of leading the Greatest Nation in History. The challenges Jimmy faced as President came at a pivotal time for our country and he did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans. For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude. Melania and I are thinking warmly of the Carter Family and their loved ones during this difficult time. We urge everyone to keep them in their hearts and prayers."
President Biden also issued a statement, reading in part: "Over six decades, we had the honor of calling Jimmy Carter a dear friend. But, what’s extraordinary about Jimmy Carter, though, is that millions of people throughout America and the world who never met him thought of him as a dear friend as well. With his compassion and moral clarity, he worked to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil rights and human rights, promote free and fair elections, house the homeless, and always advocate for the least among us. He saved, lifted, and changed the lives of people all across the globe."