President Donald Trump wasted no time making waves after taking office, signing 25 executive orders in his first days. Notable actions included reversing the TikTok ban, altering immigration laws, and defining gender as “only two.”
A particularly divisive move involved banning the Black Lives Matter (BLM) and Pride flags at U.S. embassies. Under a “one flag policy” from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, only the U.S. national flag and three specific flags—POW, MIA, and Hostage flags—are permitted. Rubio stated, “The U.S. flag is a powerful symbol of pride… only it should be displayed.”
Critics, like Lambda Legal CEO Kevin Jennings, called the ban “mean-spirited,” arguing these flags signify inclusivity. Social media backlash labeled it a “human rights violation” and a restriction on free expression.
Further, Trump’s administration began dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, signaling a sharp pivot in federal policies and sparking widespread debate.
