An image circulating online shows an American flag lying on the ground at the White House, prompting widespread concern and speculation about how it ended up there.
Why It Matters
President Donald Trump installed two nearly 100-foot-tall flagpoles on the White House grounds—one on the north lawn and another on the south lawn.
Since returning to the White House, Trump has overseen a number of renovations, including changes to the Rose Garden, bathroom upgrades, and the construction of a new ballroom in the East Wing.
U.S. flag code clearly states that the flag should not touch the ground. As noted by the Cornell Law School, the guidance reads: “The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, the floor, water, or merchandise.”
What To Know
In an image taken on November 16, the president is seen returning to the White House after spending the weekend at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida. Behind him, the American flag can be seen lying on the ground.
Another image circulating on social media shows the flag alone on the lawn with no one else in the frame.
The photos have fueled questions about why the flag was on the ground and whether proper protocols were followed.
One post on X by software engineer Alex Cole shared the photo with the caption: “The flag on the ground at the White House. Yikes!”
What People Are Saying
A post from the White House shared in June when the flagpoles were installed stated: “Two new flagpoles now rise at the White House — proud, unwavering, and free. This isn’t just a symbol; it’s the American story — written in sacrifice, stitched with courage, and raised for all the world to see. One nation. Under God. Forever proud.”
The account @OccupyDemocrats wrote on X: “This is how the White House treats the flag of the United States of America? They just let it lie on the ground! I’m sure our U.S. military members who follow the page could share the rules for handling the flag! Once again, Trump is a travesty against our great nation.”
Journalist and former lawyer Andrew Leyden commented: “The @POTUS returned to the White House but the rotor wash from Marine One blew down the American flag on the new flagpole. UPDATE: Upon review of additional footage, it appears the flag was down before Marine One arrived. Not sure why.”
What Happens Next
As of the latest reporting, the White House has not issued a public explanation for the flag being found on the ground.
