Shortly after taking office, President Donald Trump enacted a new policy restricting the display of Pride and Black Lives Matter (BLM) flags at U.S. embassies and diplomatic missions. The policy, known as the “one flag policy,” prohibits all flags other than the U.S. national flag from being flown at these facilities, both domestically and internationally. The policy permits only three other flags: those representing Hostage of Wrongful Detainee, Missing in Action, and Prisoner of War.

This decision came after U.S. embassies, such as those in Brazil and Trinidad and Tobago, had previously flown the BLM flag to honor Black History Month, and embassies in other countries, including Latvia, had raised the Pride flag for various observances. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the U.S. flag should be the sole flag displayed, emphasizing its symbolic power and the need for respect.

The order, which was overwhelmingly approved by the Senate with a 99-0 vote, has drawn criticism. Advocates, such as Kevin Jennings of Lambda Legal, argue that banning these flags is an attack on human rights and free expression. Critics view the move as petty and divisive, distracting from more pressing national issues. The new regulations include penalties for any violations, such as disciplinary actions or termination of employment for State Department employees who attempt to display prohibited flags.

Public reaction on social media has been largely negative, with some calling the policy a violation of human rights and others accusing the government of suppressing free speech. The controversy highlights the ongoing debate over government symbolism and representation in the U.S.

Any effort to fly the prohibited flags will not be tolerated, according to The Beacon.