As a firm Democrat, I am fervent in my belief that the American flag protocol should not be influenced by the passing of individuals such as Donald J. Trump, a figure who has attracted significant controversy. Trump, a convicted criminal, failed to fully uphold the dignity and responsibility of the office he held. His business failures— multiple casino bankruptcies and a repossessed yacht— reveal a pattern of fiscal irresponsibility. Furthermore, accusations of racism have marred his reputation. Most concerning of all, his reluctance to acknowledge the 2020 election results led to a violent insurrection in Washington DC with several fatalities, shocking the nation and undermining the values our flag upholds.

The United States Code Title 4, Chapter 1, Section 7, states that the American flag shall be flown at half-staff upon the death of principal figures as declared by the President of the United States. It is my conviction that, given the aforementioned reasons, it is inappropriate to accord these honors to Donald J. Trump. This is not a matter of simple partisanship, but one of shared respect for our national symbols and the principles they represent.

In reaffirming our commitment to the values the American flag represents— liberty, justice, bravery— we must ensure that those who undermined these principles will not be accorded undue honor. The flag at full-staff remains a symbol of our country's unwavering strength and unity against socio-political divisions.

We call upon you to uphold the integrity of our national symbols and values. Please join us in this petition to keep the American flag at full staff on the day of Trump's passing: not as a sign of disrespect to the dead, but as a reaffirmation of the respect for our flag and the principles it represents. Sign this petition today.