The Blubber

The American flag is taking center stage again, according to a new policy announced by the Trump administration’s State Department on Tuesday.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has issued a directive banning the display of any flags other than the Stars and Stripes at State Department facilities, both in the U.S. and abroad, the Washington Free Beacon reported. This decision targets previous practices by some government facilities that flew Pride or Black Lives Matter flags.

“Effective 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,” Rubio’s order stated, as reported by the outlet.

The directive emphasized the symbolism of the American flag. “The flag of the United States of America unites all Americans under the universal principles of justice, liberty, and democracy. These values, which form the foundation of our great nation, are shared by all American citizens, past and present,” the order read.

In justifying the policy, the State Department noted the need to honor the flag’s importance. “The U.S. flag is a powerful symbol of pride, and it is appropriate and respectful that only the U.S. flag be flown or displayed at U.S. facilities, both domestically and abroad,” the statement added.

While the policy restricts most flags, it allows two exceptions: the Prisoner of War/Missing in Action (POW/MIA) flag and the Wrongful Detainees flag.

State Department personnel found violating the policy could face severe consequences, including termination, reassignment, or contract termination, according to the directive.

This move follows a previous restriction under a $1.2 trillion spending package signed by President Joe Biden in March, which prohibited the display of certain flags, such as Pride flags, at State Department facilities. The new policy solidifies that prohibition beyond the expiration of the funding bill.

Supporters of the change see it as a step toward restoring national unity under the American flag, while critics argue it stifles the ability to acknowledge other causes and movements.