Despite governor’s order, U.S. flag in Phil Murphy’s town raised to full-staff for inauguration day

Most American flags in New Jersey remained at half-staff on Monday as President Trump took the oath of office for an historic second non-consecutive term owing to the recent passing of former President Jimmy Carter; the flags remained at half-staff despite calls from Republicans to return the state’s flags to full-staff for at least Inauguration Day.

“Governor Murphy needs to get this right. The peaceful transfer of power is a cornerstone of our democracy, and it deserves to be acknowledged with the dignity of a flag flying high,” said Assemblyman Brian Bergen (R-26) of Morris County in a pre-inaugural press release. “Then, lowering the flag again to honor President Carter is a meaningful way to show respect for his service to our nation. This way actually honors both presidents.”

“The inauguration of a new President is a unique and foundational American tradition, and a moment that should rightfully be celebrated across the nation with pride,” added Republican gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli over on X. “If I were Governor on Monday, the flags in New Jersey would be at full staff. We can respectfully return to honoring the life of President Carter on Tuesday and even extend the traditional 30 day period of mourning another day.”

Murphy initially ordered the flags lowered on December 31st in honor of the late President Jimmy Carter for a period of mourning lasting until January 28th. “The flag of the United States of America and the flag of New Jersey shall be flown at half-staff at all State departments, offices, agencies, and instrumentalities until sunset on January 28, 2025, consistent with federal law and directives, in recognition and mourning of a dedicated public servant and global statesman, President Jimmy Carter,” the executive order proclaimed.

The Democrat governor subsequently ignored calls to raise the flags for Trump’s inauguration. However, back in 1973, President Richard Nixon briefly raised flags to full-staff to celebrate the release of American Vietnam War prisoners after flags were initially lowered following the death of President Lyndon Johnson.

“It isn’t complicated,” added Bergen. “It’s about respecting the office, the process and the history of our country. I believe President Carter would appreciate that and smile down on us.”

Not everyone in New Jersey went along with it.

The Republican-controlled government of Governor Murphy’s own town (Middletown, in Monmouth County) raised its own flags to full-staff on Monday in honor of President Trump’s return to the Oval Office (see the photo above).

Matt Rooney
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MATT ROONEY is SaveJersey.com's founder and editor-in-chief, a practicing New Jersey attorney, and the host of 'The Matt Rooney Show' on 1210 WPHT every Sunday evening from 7-10PM EST.