Bergen County Keeps Flags at Full Staff Amid Presidential Proclamation for Charlie Kirk
The White House ordered flags to fly at half-staff in honor of Charlie Kirk after his tragic death. President Trump’s decree covered federal buildings, military posts, embassies, and other government institutions. That directive was ignored by Bergen County, New Jersey.
County officials stated that they follow New Jersey’s flag status. On that day, state instructions recommended full-staff flags. Despite the presidential directive for half-staff, Bergen County retained its flags at full staff at county-owned structures.
Conservatives criticized the decision as a rejection of Charlie Kirk and the president’s directive. Some individuals said county leaders were making a political statement by raising flags despite the national observance mandate.
According to observers, the president can only order flags at half-staff on federal property. State and local governments are not required to obey such proclamations, but many do so for symbolic reasons. Flag etiquette experts say state governors can lower flags on state or municipal government buildings if state policy or law determines flag status.
Bergen County and other New Jersey municipalities kept flags at full staff on the day in question because the state status did not require half-staffing. Nearby states including Pennsylvania and Delaware lowered flags according the presidential directive.
Flag-lowering is seen as a sign of respect by some and politically motivated by others. Some legal experts and vexillologists view half-staffing norms as suggestions rather than laws. Flag laws may exist in state codes, but enforcement is rare and compliance depends on local interpretation and political will.
Bergen County obeyed state rules, not the presidential decree, by not lowering flags. In highly charged conditions, the choice ignited political debate over symbolism, authority, and respect. The controversy shows how different government levels interpret federal mandates and how it might affect public and political life.
Sources
White House proclamation: Honoring the Memory of Charlie Kirk The White House
Reporting on Bergen County’s response and state guidance Facebook+2The Times of India+2
Expert commentary on flag protocol and legal limits on presidential authority over flags The Times of India
