How Long is a Flag Flown at Half-Staff After a Death (Such as John McCain)

I am writing this after the death of Senator John McCain following much criticism of President Trump for not lowering the flag at the White House long enough.

So what is the rule for flying a flag at half-staff after the death of a government official?

The rules can be found in Title 4 of the United States Code, Section 7, subdivision m. The rules state the US Flag should be flown at half-staff for the following lengths of time and events:



30 days when a President or former President dies.

10 days after the death of the Vice-President, the Speaker of the House, Chief Justice or former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

From the day of death to the day of burial for a former Vice-President, Associate Supreme Court Justice, state Governor, or Secretary of an executive department.

On the day of death and the following day for a Member of Congress.



The law for a Senator like John McCain, then, would be to lower the flag on the day he dies and the next day only.

But that is just the minimum required by statute. The President can order a longer time period.

For example, 4 USC 7(m) also provides the flag can be flown at half-staff as directed by the President upon the death of a state governor or principal federal government figure.

When there is a death of other officials or a foreign dignitary, the flag is to be displayed per Presidential order, instruction, or according to customary practices not otherwise inconsistent with the law.

Thus, if he wanted, President Donald Trump could order that the national flag be lowered to half-mast in recognition of John McCain for longer than the two days required by the statute.