State Department bans Pride, BLM flags at government facilities
The Trump State Department has banned Pride and BLM flags from being flown at government facilities, a practice favored by the previous administration.
The Washington Free Beacon reports that according to an order signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, federal buildings may now only fly the Stars and Stripes, the POW/MIA, and the Wrongful Detainees flags.
"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 [other than the POW/MIA and Wrongful Detainees flags]," the order states. "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."
Federal employees who violate the order may face disciplinary action.
"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 policy memo adds.
BLM, Pride flags under Biden
The One Flag policy is a stark turnaround from the Biden administration, which authorized and encouraged government buildings and outposts worldwide to fly other flags. In June 2023, for example, the White House hung the Pride flag from its balcony as the centerpiece between two American flags. The action violated the US Flag Code which states that “Regimental colors, State flags, and organization or institutional flags are to be dipped as a mark of honor” when next to the American flag.
In February 2022, the US Embassy in Brazil flew the Black Lives Matter flag in honor of Black History Month. The Pride flag was also flown at US embassies and consulates across the globe in observance of Pride month.
