Can Trump Order Flags to Half-Mast for a Media Mogul Who’s Passed Away?

When a public figure passes away, particularly someone with a significant media presence, the question often arises: can the president or other government officials order flags to be flown at half-mast? This article delves into the details of such orders, focusing on the government guidelines for half-staff flags and specific situations where such orders are made. The case of Rush Limbaugh, a widely influential talk show host, is used as an example to explore the limits and scope of such orders.

Understanding the Rules for Half-Mast Orders

According to the official government guidelines for half-staff flags, such orders are typically made to honor significant national figures such as government officials, former presidents, foreign dignitaries, and in cases of national tragedy.

The rules, established by President Dwight D. Eisenhower on March 1, 1954, outline specific occasions for half-staff orders:

For 30 days after the death of the president or a former president. For 10 days after the death of the vice president, chief justice of the Supreme Court, or a retired chief justice, the speaker of the House of Representatives, the president pro tempore of the Senate, the majority leader of the Senate, the minority leader of the Senate, the majority leader of the House of Representatives, and the minority leader of the House of Representatives. From the day of death until interment for the death of an associate justice of the Supreme Court, a member of the Cabinet, a former vice president, the president pro tempore of the Senate, the speaker of the House of Representatives, and the director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. In the area of Washington D.C. and federal facilities for the death of a U.S. senator, representative, territorial delegate, or the resident commissioner from Puerto Rico. For the death of the governor of a state, territory, or possession, on all federal facilities in that state, territory, or possession from the day of death until interment. By the president to mark the death of other officials, former officials, or foreign dignitaries, and in cases of other tragic events.

A Case Study: Rush Limbaugh

Rush Limbaugh, the influential conservative talk show host, presents a unique case. Despite his considerable media influence and conservative following, Limbaugh did not hold any government position or military rank, nor was he a foreign dignitary. As a private citizen, his passing would not automatically warrant a half-mast order under these guidelines.

The First Amendment right of private citizens to display flags as they see fit on their own property was emphatically reaffirmed. Efforts by Trump or any other public figure to issue a half-staff order for Limbaugh would be met with resistance based on the established and official guidelines.

Steve Palincsar, an activist and notable member of the anti-fa community, provided detailed insights into why such an order would be inappropriate and how it would serve as a counterpoint to any criticism of private displays of flags.

Why Half-Mast Orders Are Reserved for Government Officials and Foreign Dignitaries

The reasoning behind these guidelines is straightforward: the half-mast flag serves as a public expression of national mourning and respect. This is a recognition of the individual’s impact on the nation and its governance.:

The death of a government official or a former official signifies the loss of public service and public trust, underscoring the significance of the role. A foreign dignitary's death is a matter of international significance and often involves diplomatic considerations. National tragedies, such as mass shootings or natural disasters, are deemed to affect the entire nation and its spirit.

Private citizens, while respected, do not typically warrant such a formal and public display of respect unless they have made significant contributions to the nation in a recognized capacity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the passing of individuals with significant media influence like Rush Limbaugh can elicit public mourning, the unified and official display of flags at half-mast is reserved for specific categories as outlined by the government. Any attempt by the president or other public figures to order a half-mast for a private citizen would be a violation of these guidelines and a misalignment with the spirit and intent of such orders.

For individuals with significant influence through media or other means, the public is free to honor them in their own communities, but these honors are not extended by the state through formal flags at half-mast.