A supporter of former President Donald Trump waves a flag in front of a Metairie, Louisiana, home next to the site of a July 25, 2023, fundraiser for Trump. (Greg LaRose/Louisiana Illuminator)
Some Republican governors have followed the lead of U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, who has issued a one-day reprieve from flying American flags at half-staff for the late President Jimmy Carter. They will be returned them to full-staff Monday for President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration.
Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry isn’t in that number, however. He’s chosen instead to fly a Make America Great Again flag at the Governor’s Mansion and issued an executive order Friday requesting other state citizens to join him.
“Gone are the days of open borders. Gone are the days where Americans have to worry about gas and grocery prices while taxpayer dollars are shipped overseas,” Landry said in a statement Friday. “Today, under President Trump, begins a renaissance in this Nation. One where America and her people will always come first. In Louisiana, we think that is worthy of celebrating!”
As is custom when a former president dies, President Joe Biden ordered all government buildings and property to lower U.S. flags to half-staff for 30 days in Carter’s memory. Johnson said the tribute to Carter will continue Tuesday when the Capitol’s flags are lower back to half-staff.
Landry issued an executive order to declare an official period of mourning two days after 14 people were killed in the Jan. 1 terrorist attack on Bourbon Street. He declared each person lost be honored with their own day of mourning, during which U.S. and state flags would be lowered for the next 14 workdays. That included Monday, Jan. 20, when the death of Edward Pettifer, 31, of England will be recognized.
Landry’s MAGA flag proclamation came late Friday morning, just three hours after the Illuminator asked his office – in light of the ongoing Bourbon Street memorials – whether he would follow the lead of other governors and order the American flag raised to full-staff at state properties.
There was no response to the Illuminator’s question.
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