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The US State Department adopted a new policy under the Trump administration that effectively prevents US embassies and outposts from flying Pride and Black Lives Matter flags, according to a report Tuesday.
The Washington Free Beacon first reported that it obtained a copy of the “One Flag Policy” order, which allows only the American flag to be flown on American installations inside and outside the country, with two notable exceptions: the Prisoner of War/Missing in action. (POW/MIA) and the flag of unjust detainees.
“As of now, only the flag of the United States of America is authorized to fly or be displayed on U.S. facilities, both domestic and abroad, and to appear in U.S. government content.” “, states the memo. depending on the medium. “The flag of the United States of America united all Americans under the universal principles of justice, freedom, and democracy. These values, which are the foundation of our great country, are shared by all American citizens, past and present “.
Fox News Digital has contacted the State Department for confirmation on the “One Flag Policy,” but did not immediately receive a response.
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Black Lives Matter and Pride flags.
The policy comes after the Biden administration sparked controversy over the past four years for flying these types of flags, sparking lengthy debates among Democrats and Republicans.
American flags and a Pride flag hang from the White House ahead of the Pride Month celebration on the South Lawn, Saturday, June 10, 2023, in Washington, DC. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
Former President Joe Biden was criticized for flying the Pride flag in front of the White House during Pride Month in 2023, and in 2021 for a leaked State Department memo encouraging US embassies to display Black Lives Matter flags on the first anniversary of the murder of George Floyd.
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The controversies led Republican lawmakers in 2023 to introduce a bill known as the Law of One Flag for All, which proposed to make it illegal to fly, hang, or display any flag other than the American flag on federal buildings or property, with limited exceptions.
Biden speaks during a Pride celebration on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC, on June 10, 2023. (BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images)
Pride flags were first flown at US embassies during former President Barack Obama’s administration, according to Forbes, before being banned by the Trump administration in 2019. The Biden administration restored the capability in 2021, Forbes reports.
Pride flags were later banned. to be flown out of US embassies in March 2024 as part of a $1.2 trillion spending package signed by Biden.
President Donald Trump promised to shake off immediately the State Department upon taking office, and a source familiar with the situation told Fox News that the new Trump administration will immediately move new officials into key operational roles at the State Department to ensure the department is carrying out the Trump’s foreign policy agenda from day one. .
Trump’s nominee for Secretary of State, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, was unanimously confirmed for the Cabinet position on Tuesday.
Fox News Digital’s Pilar Arias contributed to this report.
