Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried (D) will defy an order from Gov. Ron DeSantis to lower all flags across the state to half-staff to honor Rush Limbaugh on the day he’s laid to rest.
Fried said she will direct all offices under her purview to disregard DeSantis’ order and keep the flag flying high to celebrate American values.
“Lowering to half-staff the flag of the United States of America is a sacred honor that pays respect to fallen heroes and patriots. It is not a partisan political tool,” Fried said in a statement. “Therefore, I will notify all state offices under my direction to disregard the Governor’s forthcoming order to lower flags for Mr. Limbaugh – because we will not celebrate hate speech, bigotry, and division.”
“Lowering the flag should always reflect unity, not division, and raising our standards, not lowering them,” Fried added. “Our flags will remain flying high to celebrate the American values of diversity, inclusion, and respect for all.”
Limbaugh, the controversial conservative talk show host died on Wednesday in Florida after battling stage IV lung cancer.
