Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 47th president of the United States less than a week ago and he is already making some big changes. This includes a change that affects the flags that are flying at diplomatic billings around the world.
The order that affects those diplomatic buildings worldwide comes from the State Department. It bans the use of Pride and Black Lives Matter Flags.
According to the Washington Free Beacon, the text of the order includes: ‘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.’
It continues: ‘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 new Secretary of State, Marcio Rubio issued the order but there are some exceptions. A Prisoner of War/Missing in Action flag will still be allowed to be flown at State Department facilities, as can the Wrongful Detainees flag.
Pride flags were flown above the US embassies in 2021 to recognize Pride Month. It has long been an issue with Republicans, and they are making a move to ensure that it will take place in the future.
A year ago, an order known as the ‘Old Glory Only Act’ would ban any flag other than the United States flag. When they first introduced that act, it didn’t pass. When it was enacted last year, the Biden administration said that it would repeal it quickly. Allies of Donald Trump are now welcoming the move.
