The State Department has implemented a "one flag policy" at its embassies and outposts, prohibiting the display of pride and BLM flags.
Prisoner of War/Missing in Action and Wrongful Detainees flags are exempt from policy.
A new policy under the Trump administration has been adopted by the U.S. State Department, which prohibits U.S. embassies and outposts from displaying Pride and Black Lives Matter flags, according to a report released on Tuesday.
The "One Flag Policy" order, which allows only the American flag to be flown at U.S. facilities at home and abroad, has two exceptions: the Prisoner of War/Missing in Action (POW/MIA) emblem and the Wrongful Detainees Flag.
"The memo states that 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. The flag of the United States of America unites all Americans under the universal principles of justice, liberty, and democracy. These values, which are the foundation of our great country, are shared by all American citizens, past and present."
The State Department has not yet responded to Planet Chronicle Digital's inquiry about the "One Flag Policy."
The policy on flying flags was sparked by the Biden administration's controversial courtship of the issue, resulting in heated debates between Democrats and Republicans.
In 2023, former President Joe Biden faced criticism for flying the Pride flag outside the White House during a Pride Month celebration, and in 2021, he was criticized for a leaked State Department memo that urged U.S. embassies to display Black Lives Matter flags on the anniversary of George Floyd's murder.
In 2023, GOP lawmakers introduced the One Flag for All Act, which made it illegal to fly, drape or display any flag other than the American flag on federal buildings or properties, with limited exceptions.
During the Obama administration, pride flags were first displayed at U.S. embassies, but they were later banned by the Trump administration in 2019. However, the Biden administration reinstated the ability to fly pride flags at embassies in 2021, according to Forbes.
In March 2024, as part of a $1.2 trillion spending package, Biden signed a law banning pride flags from being displayed outside U.S. embassies.
The Trump administration will immediately move new officials into key operational roles at the State Department to ensure the department is carrying out the Trump foreign policy agenda from day one.
On Tuesday, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio was unanimously confirmed as Trump's Secretary of State.
Planet Chronicle Digital’s Pilar Arias contributed to this report.
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