DALLAS - Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has directed that American flags on state property be flown at full staff to mark President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration next week, bypassing the national mourning period for former President Jimmy Carter. The move has sparked both praise and criticism on social media.

Flags have been lowered to half-staff at many federal and public buildings across the country in honor of former President Jimmy Carter, who died Dec. 29.

In a statement released on Monday, Texas Governor Greg Abbott said the U.S. flag should be displayed "especially on Inauguration Day."