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.

Gov. Greg Abbott said Texas continues to mourn Carter’s death but noted the federal flag code gives special importance to flying the flag on Inauguration Day.

"While we honor the service of a former President, we must also celebrate the service of an incoming President," Gov. Greg Abbott says