Announcing the Death of James Earl Carter, Jr.

President Biden officially announces the death of former President Jimmy Carter on December 29, 2024, and orders flags to fly at half-staff for 30 days at all federal buildings, military installations, and embassies worldwide. He also appoints January 9, 2025, as a National Day of Mourning and directs the Secretary of Defense to render suitable military honors.

Federal Register Open PDF 90 FR 185

Impact dates

Jan 28, 2025
End of 30-day flag half-staff period
Jan 9, 2025
National Day of Mourning

Key directives

Display US flag at half-staff for 30 days from December 29, 2024 at White House, all public buildings and grounds, military posts, naval stations, and naval vessels nationwide and in territories/possessions
US representatives abroad to arrange half-staff display at embassies, legations, consular offices, and military facilities for same 30-day period
Secretary of Defense to render suitable honors by Armed Forces units
January 9, 2025 appointed as National Day of Mourning

Who is ordered

Secretary of Defense · Department of Defense

Timeline

Immediate

Flags ordered to half-staff beginning December 29, 2024
Secretary of Defense directed to render military honors

Near term (90d)

30-day flag half-staff period ends January 28, 2025
National Day of Mourning on January 9, 2025

Long term

—

Risks & tensions

None flagged.