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Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has announced plans to raise the Make America Great Again (MAGA) flag at the governor’s mansion on January 20 to celebrate President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration. Landry also encouraged residents across Louisiana to display the flag in solidarity.
“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.
“Under President Trump, a new renaissance begins in this nation—one where America and her people will always come first. In Louisiana, we believe that is worth celebrating.”
The announcement aligns with a broader movement among Republican-led states, where several governors have ordered U.S. flags to be flown at full-staff for the 2025 inauguration.
This decision has drawn mixed reactions due to ongoing mourning for victims of the January 1 New Orleans terrorist attack, where a rented pickup truck plowed into a crowd on Bourbon Street, killing 14 and injuring dozens. Louisiana flags had previously been lowered to half-staff in their memory.
In addition, a 30-day national mourning period remains in effect for former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away late last year. Despite this, governors in Florida, North Dakota, Iowa, Idaho, and Nebraska have joined Louisiana in flying flags at full-staff for the inauguration.
At least five states have stated that flags will return to half-staff after the ceremony to continue honoring Carter’s legacy.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) announced Tuesday that flags on Capitol Hill will also be raised to full-staff during the inauguration, then lowered the following day. Johnson echoed Landry’s sentiments about celebrating Trump’s presidency while balancing respect for recent tragedies and losses.
The decision to raise flags at full-staff during the inauguration has sparked discussion about balancing political celebrations with moments of national reflection. For many Republicans, the gesture symbolizes a renewal of national priorities under Trump’s leadership.
However, critics have argued that overriding the traditional mourning periods may detract from honoring the legacies of both Carter and the victims of the New Orleans attack.
Landry’s bold move reflects growing enthusiasm among Republican leaders as Trump prepares to take office, with states showing support through symbolic acts. As the inauguration approaches, these decisions highlight the political divide and differing perspectives on how best to mark the transition of power.
