The U.S. State Department, under a directive signed by Trump, now prohibits the display of non-national flags, including Pride and Black Lives Matter symbols, at federal and diplomatic buildings globally. The new policy reverses previous practices that allowed such flags at embassies. U.S. personnel found in violation of this rule will face disciplinary actions, underscoring the administration’s firm stance on enforcing the change.

The US Department of State has banned consular posts from flying any flags other than that of the US as part of the Trump administration’s pledge to crack down on diversity efforts in government institutions.

A cable seen by the Guardian titled “One flag policy” appears to target several instances during the Biden administration when gay pride and Black Lives Matters flags were flown at embassies abroad.

Gay pride flags were also on display at the White House during a 2023 Pride month celebration held on the south lawn, sparking a backlash from conservatives

“Starting immediately, only the United States of America flag is authorized to be flown or displayed at US facilities, both domestic and abroad, and featured in US government content,” the memo read.

“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 only exceptions allowed were the prisoner of war/missing in action flag and the hostages and wrongful detainees flag, the memo read.

The decision followed several White House executive orders signed on Trump’s first day in office in which he called for US federal agencies to halt all DEI (Diversity, equity, and inclusion) programs and another establishing that there are only two sexes, an attack on the legal recognition of non-binary rights.

The capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro by the United States is a clear signal that the seismic geopolitical shifts of 2025 were just the start of a dramatic global realignment.

With the Trump administration threatening other nations, and rival powers in Beijing and Moscow potentially emboldened by the US action in Venezuela, the next few months feel like a make-or-break moment for the existing rules-based international order.

Our global team of reporters will capture every big moment and explore, expose and challenge the impact of decisions coming out of the White House and beyond.

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