President Donald Trump ordered all U.S. flags to be flown at half-staff from July 12 through July 18 to honor Senator Lindsey Graham, the longtime South Carolina Republican who died on July 11 at age 71. The flag order covers federal buildings, grounds, and naval vessels nationwide, a traditional mark of respect following the death of a sitting U.S. senator.
Graham died from an aortic dissection due to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease, according to preliminary findings from the Washington, D.C. medical examiner released on July 13. His office had announced the death as resulting from a “brief and sudden illness.” He had recently returned from a trip to Ukraine.
Under federal law, flags on all federal buildings in the District of Columbia are required to fly at half-staff on the day of a senator’s death and the day following, according to Title 4 of the U.S. Code. Trump’s proclamation extends the period nationwide through Saturday evening, a broader honor than the statutory minimum. Graham was a four-term senator and a prominent voice on defense and foreign policy who became one of Trump’s closest Republican allies.
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster also ordered state flags lowered to half-staff. The half-staff order extends across the country, with state governors and federal agencies implementing the presidential directive, a visible national observance of Graham’s death.
Sources
- American Flags Express — confirmed Trump’s order for flags at half-staff July 12–18, 2026 nationwide
- The Hill — reported preliminary medical examiner findings of aortic dissection due to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease
- NPR — confirmed Graham’s death on July 11 and that his office stated it was a “brief and sudden illness”
- NBC News — reported Graham died at 71 and Trump’s tribute to him as a “true American patriot”
- U.S. House of Representatives (4 USC 7) — clarified federal law requiring flags at half-staff on day of death and following day for U.S. senators
- WCIV (ABC News 4) — confirmed South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster ordered state flags lowered to half-staff
