The symbolic makeover of Trump-era flags and flagpoles—spanning new 100-foot poles at the White House to the SBA flying a historic Revolutionary War flag—has drawn concern from former officials who warn these moves blur lines between partisan imagery and official institutions.
At a Glance
- Trump installed two 100-foot flagpoles on the North and South lawns of the White House
- At the SBA headquarters, the “Appeal to Heaven” Pine Tree banner—used by Jan. 6 rioters and Christian nationalist groups—was briefly flown alongside the U.S. flag
- The flag has sparked past controversies, including displays by Justice Alito’s wife and House Speaker Mike Johnson
- SBA staffers called the flag’s display “jarring,” viewing it as an unofficial agency statement
- Critics warn that partisan symbols on federal property undermine institutional neutrality
$1B Flagpoles—But At What Cost?
President Trump unveiled the installation of two towering 100-foot flagpoles on the North and South lawns of the White House, presenting them as a symbolic “gift” to the nation’s executive residence. Though privately funded, the poles were described by critics as more about personal branding than national unity, according to The Daily Beast.
Revolutionary War Banner Lands at SBA
In a controversial move during Flag Day celebrations, the Small Business Administration briefly flew the “Appeal to Heaven” flag beneath the U.S. flag at its Washington headquarters. The banner—closely tied to modern Christian nationalist movements and seen at the January 6 Capitol riot—triggered online backlash and internal concerns, as reported by The Daily Beast. SBA staff described the display as “jarring” and an inappropriate political statement.
Watch a report: Trump’s Flag Moves Stir Controversy.
From Colonial Symbol to Partisan Icon
The “Appeal to Heaven” flag, originally used during the American Revolution, has been revived in recent years by far-right and MAGA-aligned groups. Its presence at SBA headquarters mirrors earlier incidents—such as its display outside Justice Samuel Alito’s home and in Speaker Mike Johnson’s office—fueling debate about the boundaries between historical symbolism and modern partisanship.
Institutional Neutrality at Risk
Former White House Chiefs of Staff and career public servants warn that using federal property for partisan symbols risks eroding civic norms. Without clear nonpartisan guidelines, displays like these may undermine public trust in government neutrality—further blurring the lines between national service and political loyalty.
With partisan imagery now entering official spaces, critics argue that safeguarding institutional integrity is more urgent than ever.
