In January 2025, President Donald Trump implemented a directive prohibiting the display of non-U.S. flags, including LGBTQ+ Pride and Black Lives Matter (BLM) flags, at American embassies and consulates worldwide. This policy, known as the “One Flag Policy,” mandates that only the United States flag is authorized to be flown or displayed at U.S. facilities, both domestically and abroad. The directive emphasizes that the U.S. flag unites all Americans under the universal principles of justice, liberty, and democracy. Exceptions to this rule include the Prisoner of War/Missing in Action flag and the Hostages and Wrongful Detainees flag.
This move aligns with the administration’s broader efforts to curtail diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within federal agencies. Shortly after his inauguration on January 20, 2025, President Trump signed several executive orders directly impacting minority communities. One such order declared that the government would recognize only two genders—male and female—stating that these sexes are not changeable and are grounded in fundamental and incontrovertible reality. The order also pledged to end government programs promoting diversity and inclusivity, aiming to defend women from gender ideology extremism.
Additionally, the administration revoked the 1965 Equal Employment Opportunity Act, which previously promoted opportunities for and protected women, ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other traditionally underrepresented groups. This act had prohibited workplace discrimination based on race, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, and marital or familial status. The revocation has raised concerns about the potential for increased discrimination in federal employment practices.
The “One Flag Policy” appears to target instances during the Biden administration when Pride and BLM flags were flown at U.S. embassies abroad. In 2019, during President Trump’s previous term, the administration had denied requests from U.S. embassies to fly the Pride flag during LGBTQ+ Pride Month, emphasizing the exclusive display of the American flag. This stance was reversed under President Biden, who authorized the flying of Pride flags at embassies, a decision that has now been overturned with the reinstatement of the “One Flag Policy.”
Critics argue that this policy suppresses expressions of support for marginalized communities and undermines efforts to promote diversity and inclusion. They contend that symbols like the Pride and BLM flags represent solidarity with LGBTQ+ individuals and people of color, both within the United States and globally. By prohibiting their display, opponents believe the administration is sending a message of exclusion and intolerance.
Supporters of the policy, however, assert that the exclusive display of the American flag at U.S. facilities reinforces national unity and the universal values it represents. They argue that the American flag embodies principles of justice, liberty, and democracy that apply to all citizens, rendering additional flags unnecessary. This perspective emphasizes a desire to present a unified national identity, particularly in official and diplomatic contexts.
The policy has significant implications for U.S. diplomatic missions, which often use symbols like the Pride flag to signal support for LGBTQ+ rights in countries where such rights are under threat. The prohibition may limit the ability of diplomats to visibly demonstrate solidarity with marginalized groups, potentially affecting U.S. advocacy for human rights abroad.
This development is part of a series of actions by the Trump administration that have raised concerns among civil rights organizations. The rollback of DEI programs, the revocation of anti-discrimination protections, and the restriction on symbolic displays of support for minority communities are viewed by critics as steps that could exacerbate social divisions and undermine progress toward equality.
In summary, the “One Flag Policy” reflects the administration’s emphasis on a singular national identity symbolized by the American flag. While intended to promote unity, the policy has sparked a debate about the balance between national symbols and the recognition of diverse communities within the United States. As the policy is implemented, its impact on both domestic and international perceptions of America’s commitment to diversity and inclusion will continue to be closely monitored.
