The Trump administration has enacted a policy that bans the display of Pride and Black Lives Matter flags at U.S. diplomatic buildings both domestically and internationally.
The directive mandates that only the American flag, the Stars and Stripes, be flown from these facilities, as reported by the Washington Free Beacon.
According to the policy, which was immediately implemented, “only the United States of America flag is authorized to be flown or displayed at U.S. facilities, both at home and abroad, and in U.S. government content.” The directive stresses that the U.S. flag represents the core values of justice, liberty, and democracy—principles shared by all Americans, past and present.
The State Department emphasized that the decision was made in order to show proper “respect” for the American flag. “The U.S. flag is a powerful symbol of pride,” the statement reads. “It is fitting and respectful that only the U.S. flag be flown or displayed at U.S. facilities, both domestically and abroad.”
There are two exceptions to this rule: U.S. facilities are still permitted to fly the Prisoner of War/Missing in Action flag and the Wrongful Detainees flag.
Employees of the State Department who violate the policy may face disciplinary measures, which could include termination of employment, contract termination, or reassignment to their home agency.
Previously, Pride flag displays had been prohibited under a spending bill signed by President Joe Biden in March, which blocked funds from being used to fly or display any flags other than the American flag at U.S. State Department facilities.
The Trump administration’s new policy ensures this restriction will continue after the expiration of that spending package.
