Trump State Department Makes Changes To Which Flags Are Flown

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Well, it looks like there’s a new sheriff in town, folks—or should we say, a new captain at the helm of the State Department? Secretary of State Marco Rubio has made it clear that under the Trump administration, U.S. outposts—both here at home and abroad—are going back to basics. And by basics, we mean the one flag that actually represents all Americans: the Stars and Stripes.

Gone are the days when U.S. embassies flew a patchwork of activist banners like it was some kind of ideological United Nations. No more rainbow flags, Black Lives Matter flags, or whatever else the Biden administration thought was appropriate to slap up next to Old Glory. Nope, under this new policy, it’s one flag, one nation. The POW/MIA flag and Wrongful Detainees Flags get a pass (and rightfully so), but anything else? Don’t even think about it. The new rule is crystal clear: any employee who defies this order risks disciplinary action, including termination. That’s right—Rubio isn’t messing around.

According to a copy obtained by The Washington Free Beacon, the order states, “Starting immediately, only the United States of America flag is authorized to be flown or displayed at U.S. facilities, both domestic and abroad, and featured in U.S. government content. The flag of the United States of America united all Americans under the universal principles of justice, liberty, and democracy. These values, which are the bedrock of our great country, are shared by all American citizens, past and present. … The U.S. flag is a powerful symbol of pride, and it is fitting and respectful that only the U.S. flag be flown or displayed at U.S. facilities, both domestically and abroad.”

The order said any state employee who doesn’t now follow this order will “face disciplinary action, including termination of employment or contract, or reassignment to their home agency.”

And honestly, can you blame him? The United States flag is supposed to symbolize unity, justice, and liberty for all. It’s the one unifying banner that has flown over this nation through its triumphs and struggles. But over the last few years, that unity’s taken a hit. Instead of rallying behind the flag that represents everyone, the previous administration decided it would be a good idea to elevate divisive symbols and activist causes, parading them around as if they represented the collective will of the American people. Spoiler alert: they don’t.

Let’s not forget the circus under then-Secretary of State Antony Blinken. In 2021, U.S. embassies were given the green light to fly the pride flag, with a special push to hoist it before May 17, International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia. By June, the U.S. Embassy in Nassau was proudly flying the rainbow flag, signaling that, apparently, the State Department’s new role was less about diplomacy and more about virtue-signaling to the progressive elite. Oh, and let’s not overlook the Black Lives Matter flags flown in places like Brazil during Black History Month. Because nothing says “effective foreign policy” like exporting domestic political activism.

Now, let’s be clear—this isn’t about opposing the rights of any group. It’s about focus and priorities. An embassy isn’t a private corporation or a social media account where you can slap your favorite hashtag and call it a day. These are official U.S. government facilities, and the only message they should be sending is one of unity under the American flag. Not picking sides in domestic political debates. Not pandering to whatever cause is trending on Twitter. Just good old-fashioned patriotism.

Rubio’s statement drives this home: “The U.S. flag is a powerful symbol of pride.” And let’s face it, folks—that’s what’s been missing. Somewhere along the way, we traded pride in our nation for a buffet of causes that, while important to some, don’t represent the nation as a whole. The American flag does. It always has. It’s the one thing that binds us together as citizens of the greatest country on earth, whether you’re in New York City or a consulate in Bangkok.

So, to the critics screaming about this being “regressive” or “exclusive”—take a seat. This isn’t about exclusion; it’s about remembering who we are. There’s no shortage of places to debate politics or wave flags for specific causes. But U.S. embassies aren’t the place for it. They’re a representation of all Americans, and that’s why the only flag they should fly is the one that belongs to all of us.

In short? This move isn’t just a breath of fresh air—it’s a long-overdue course correction. One flag. One nation. One message. Finally.