President Trump’s State Department has implemented a “one flag policy,” prohibiting U.S. embassies and missions from flying any flags other than the U.S. flag. This directive states that only the American flag is allowed to be displayed at U.S. facilities worldwide, as reported by The Beacon.
This policy is part of Trump’s efforts to reverse Biden-era support for progressive causes. He recently signed an executive order ending diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in the federal government. The only other flags permitted under the new policy are the Prisoner of War/Missing in Action flag and the Hostage and Wrongful Detainee flag.
During the Biden administration, various flags, including Pride and Black Lives Matter flags, were flown at U.S. government buildings to show support for social causes. For example, the U.S. Embassy in Brazil raised the Black Lives Matter flag in 2022, and the Pride flag was displayed at several embassies over the years.
Critics, like Kevin Jennings from Lambda Legal, called the ban “petty and mean-spirited,” arguing that flying these flags shows people they matter. Supporters of Trump see the ban as a positive move for American values.
The new policy includes consequences for State Department employees who do not comply, potentially leading to termination or reassignment.
