# When Trump dies, will he lie in state? **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Tags:** trump\ **Created:** [September 3, 2023, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-trump-dies-will-he-lie-in-state/989557 "2023-09-03T21:02:06Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Cervaise](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cervaise/32/16693_2.png) [@Cervaise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cervaise)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2023, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-trump-dies-will-he-lie-in-state/989557/1 "2023-09-03T21:02:06Z")
After JFK’s assassination, Congress said all presidents, on death, will be eligible to lie in state in the rotunda, unless the family formally declines. Truman’s wife said no because she disliked DC politics. Nixon’s family opted out because they worried it would become a circus. Whether or not Trump is convicted and/or dies in prison is irrelevant under the current rules. He was still president and he will still be eligible based on his final wishes as expressed and enforced by his family. When Congress made their decree after JFK, they obviously didn’t have the foresight to include an exception saying “unless the guy’s a goddamn criminal.” So this will be a question in a few years. Presumably Melania gets the final say, which is an interesting wrinkle, but his kids will want to weigh in. And it’s possible Congress could grow a spine and update the rules. Ha ha, Congress growing a spine, I crack myself up. So what happens? ---
**Author:** ![SuntanLotion](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/suntanlotion/32/16165_2.png) [@SuntanLotion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SuntanLotion)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2023, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-trump-dies-will-he-lie-in-state/989557/2 "2023-09-03T21:04:38Z")
Once he dies, the lies stop. ---
**Author:** ![Odesio](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/odesio/32/20003_2.png) [@Odesio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Odesio)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2023, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-trump-dies-will-he-lie-in-state/989557/3 "2023-09-03T21:11:10Z")
I hope so. I don’t want to miss the histrionics of Marjorie T. Greene pulling her hair, wailing, and gnashing her teeth right before she throws herself on the coffin screaming about how the woke liberal communist fascist killed the Once and Future President. ---
**Author:** ![Pardel-Lux](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pardel-lux/32/20182_2.png) [@Pardel-Lux](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pardel-Lux)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2023, 9:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-trump-dies-will-he-lie-in-state/989557/4 "2023-09-03T21:19:42Z")
I believe tanTrump is capable of lying from beyond the grave. I am actually curious how he will pull this off, but he will. He cannot not lie. ---
**Author:** ![dolphinboy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dolphinboy/32/330_2.png) [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2023, 9:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-trump-dies-will-he-lie-in-state/989557/5 "2023-09-03T21:20:16Z")
I don’t see any reason why he wouldn’t lie in state if that’s what his family wants. Donny would certainly enjoy the spotlight for those few extra days. Keep in mind, he will still be popular with a large chunk of the US population, who in their mind, think he’s done nothing so far to deserve not lying in state. Especially if he goes to prison. That will only make his persona even greater in their mind. ---
**Author:** ![Moriarty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/moriarty/32/49_2.png) [@Moriarty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moriarty)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2023, 9:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-trump-dies-will-he-lie-in-state/989557/6 "2023-09-03T21:29:07Z")
As long as I can piss when I pass, I don’t care where he lies. ---
**Author:** ![BobLibDem](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/boblibdem/32/3149_2.png) [@BobLibDem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobLibDem)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2023, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-trump-dies-will-he-lie-in-state/989557/7 "2023-09-03T21:39:13Z")
Like Lenin, his wizened corpse will be on display for eternity and generations will kneel before his casket with tears in their eyes. When he shakes his mortal coil, he will get a state funeral if the family wants. I can’t say how many people will wave at the procession with all of their fingers or just one. ---
**Author:** ![DavidNRockies](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidnrockies/32/6279_2.png) [@DavidNRockies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DavidNRockies)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2023, 9:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-trump-dies-will-he-lie-in-state/989557/8 "2023-09-03T21:47:53Z")
I’d like to take this opportunity to mount and roll this ol’ retread: A presidential aide says to Trump; “Sir, I had a dream about your parade yesterday night.” “Was it yuge?” Trump asked, visibly interested. “Oh, yes,” said the aide, “there were millions of cheering people turning out to celebrate all along the streets.” "Was it tremendous? Trump asked, visibly excited. “Oh, yes,” the aid replied; “You were in a huge carriage, flanked by all the members of your family and cabinet. They were also very proud and happy, particularly your wife.” Trembling with excitement and rubbing his little orange hands together, Trump questions the aide: “And tell me, was I looking good?” The aide replies: “I didn’t know, sir. The casket was closed.” [rimshot] Now, to the OP. ?? I honestly think the current and future indictments, and how they play out in the respective courts, could weigh heavily on what Congress _could_ do or what his family _might_ do. Even as it leaves his – at that point – 20-something % (Nixon, on resignation) support untouched. Trump’s infamy/ignominy is serving him and his cabal well. I don’t think his family will bask in that particular glow post-mortem. I don’t know if it’s as simple as what Melania wants either. At that point, her new husband may have strong opinions, too. ---
**Author:** ![F.U.Shakespeare](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/aca169/32.png) [@F.U.Shakespeare](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/F.U.Shakespeare)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2023, 10:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-trump-dies-will-he-lie-in-state/989557/9 "2023-09-03T22:00:46Z")
Another old retread: On Trump’s deathbed, aides are describing the stupendous gravesite and monument they’ve acquired. When informed of the price, Trump balks. "Isn’t that a little high? _I’m only going to be there for three days!"_ ---
**Author:** ![squeegee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/squeegee/32/14537_2.png) [@squeegee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/squeegee)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2023, 10:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-trump-dies-will-he-lie-in-state/989557/10 "2023-09-03T22:04:21Z")
> [@Cervaise](#): > > all presidents, on death, will be eligible to lie in state in the rotunda, unless the family formally declines Cite for that? I went looking, just found general stuff about non-presidents (e.g. Harry Reid) lying in state. For presidents is this a law or a custom? Does congress need to approve each state-lying? ---
**Author:** ![penultima\_thule](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/penultima_thule/32/3833_2.png) [@penultima\_thule](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/penultima_thule)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2023, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-trump-dies-will-he-lie-in-state/989557/11 "2023-09-03T22:07:08Z")
I certainly hope so. The ushers divide the incoming crowds on the basis of “for and against”. The two lines pass to the left and right of the coffin on a gun carriage covered with the gold on white slogan “Lest we forget”. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2023, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-trump-dies-will-he-lie-in-state/989557/12 "2023-09-03T22:10:43Z")
> [@Cervaise](#): > > Presumably Melania gets the final say, which is an interesting wrinkle, but his kids will want to weigh in. I’m not convinced she’ll still be his wife when he dies. But sure, if that’s what his next of kin wants, he’ll lie in state. And lots of Americans will want to visit. > [@penultima\_thule](#): > > The ushers divide the incoming crowds on the basis of “for and against” I like this idea. But it seems impractical. ---
**Author:** ![PhillyGuy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ed655f/32.png) [@PhillyGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PhillyGuy)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2023, 10:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-trump-dies-will-he-lie-in-state/989557/13 "2023-09-03T22:17:45Z")
According to a reliable-looking Library of Congress web page: [To allow the Capitol’s rotunda to be used for this ceremony, the House and Senate pass a concurrent resolution.](https://blogs.loc.gov/law/2013/02/concurrent-resolutions-for-lying-in-state/) So — it depends on what the next of kin want, and what Congress wants. My guess is that if Melania wishes it, few members of Congress would vote no. Maybe a few would abstain. ---
**Author:** ![bobot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bobot/32/21622_2.png) [@bobot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobot)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2023, 10:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-trump-dies-will-he-lie-in-state/989557/14 "2023-09-03T22:21:36Z")
> [@Cervaise](#): > > … > He was still president and he will still be eligible based on his final wishes as expressed and enforced by his family. > … If that’s what it takes for him to be dead, I will allow him to disgust me one final time. ---
**Author:** ![DavidNRockies](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidnrockies/32/6279_2.png) [@DavidNRockies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DavidNRockies)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2023, 10:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-trump-dies-will-he-lie-in-state/989557/15 "2023-09-03T22:22:29Z")
Incidentally, it’ll be nice to see the old wardrobe come out of storage again: [![](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/qQ-F-oiWzKaVf0nQOAd6VKUC4rU=/1400x1400/filters:format(jpeg)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/11578797/My_Post__21_.jpg) ](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/qQ-F-oiWzKaVf0nQOAd6VKUC4rU=/1400x1400/filters:format(jpeg)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/11578797/My_Post__21_.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![BobLibDem](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/boblibdem/32/3149_2.png) [@BobLibDem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobLibDem)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2023, 10:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-trump-dies-will-he-lie-in-state/989557/16 "2023-09-03T22:23:59Z")
She’s saving that coat for when they haul him off to prison. ---
**Author:** ![Moriarty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/moriarty/32/49_2.png) [@Moriarty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moriarty)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2023, 10:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-trump-dies-will-he-lie-in-state/989557/17 "2023-09-03T22:24:41Z")
> [@PhillyGuy](#): > > My guess is that if Melania wishes it, few members of Congress would vote no. My guess is that, if Melania is his surviving spouse, she’s not going to spend two seconds contemplating a service. Word is she’s living in New York with her son; she doesn’t see donald, and has no interest in him. Once he’s dead, she’ll call the attorneys about her inheritance, and publicly announce a “private family ceremony” as she stuffs him underground next to Ivana at his golf resort. (The only one I can see _maybe_ trying to pull off some sort of public spectacle would be Ivanka, and that would just be so she could dress as Jackie Kennedy. If it’s up to donald jr., my guess is that they throw a kegger). ---
**Author:** ![Robot\_Arm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/robot_arm/32/18280_2.png) [@Robot\_Arm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robot_Arm)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2023, 10:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-trump-dies-will-he-lie-in-state/989557/18 "2023-09-03T22:33:26Z")
> [@Cervaise](#): > > Nixon’s family opted out because they worried it would become a circus. Trump would opt in because he hopes it would become a circus. > [@Pardel-Lux](#): > > I believe tanTrump is capable of lying from beyond the grave. I am actually curious how he will pull this off, but he will. He cannot not lie. Two words: presidential library. > [@puzzlegal](#): > > I’m not convinced she’ll still be his wife when he dies. Agreed, but when will be the correct time to trade her in on a newer model? If he loses in 2024, I wouldn’t be surprised if he internally blames Melania and divorces her. ---
**Author:** ![bobot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bobot/32/21622_2.png) [@bobot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobot)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2023, 10:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-trump-dies-will-he-lie-in-state/989557/19 "2023-09-03T22:34:54Z")
I believe his trading in days are behind him. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2023, 10:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-trump-dies-will-he-lie-in-state/989557/20 "2023-09-03T22:35:37Z")
I believe the Military District of Washington meets with every new president and determines what he/she wants in a funeral. They may also meet with former presidents to see if and how their wishes changed. So it may not be up to Melania to decide. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-trump-dies-will-he-lie-in-state/989557.md?page=2)