Old Glory Only Act: U.S. Diplomatic Posts Restricted to Flying Only the American Flag

The "Old Glory Only Act" (SEC. 1) directly mandates that only the U.S. flag can be flown over American diplomatic and consular posts worldwide. This means the Secretary of State is prohibited from allowing any other flag to be displayed in these locations (SEC. 2).

Flying Solo: What the Flag Ban Means

This bill isn't about flagpoles; it's about what America projects to the world. The law specifically bans any flag other than the Stars and Stripes from flying over U.S. diplomatic and consular posts. Think of a U.S. embassy in, say, Germany. Under this law, only the American flag can fly. No exceptions, no matter the occasion or message (SEC. 2).

Real-World Ripple Effects

This isn't just theoretical. Consider a situation where a U.S. embassy might typically fly a pride flag in support of LGBTQ+ rights during Pride Month, or the flag of a host country during a major national holiday as a sign of goodwill. This bill makes those kinds of displays illegal. For example, a construction worker contracted to build a new embassy wing might look up and see only the U.S. flag, even during a major local celebration. A small business owner supplying goods to the embassy might notice the absence of a collaborative gesture they were used to seeing. This law changes what those interactions look like, and what message they send.

The Bigger Picture: Isolation or Emphasis?

This law raises some real questions about how America presents itself abroad. While it's straightforward in its application, the implications are worth considering. Can limiting the flags displayed at embassies be seen as a way to isolate the U.S., or, on the flip side, does it reinforce the prominence of the U.S. at these locations? It may limit the ability of diplomatic posts to show solidarity with other nations or express support for certain causes. How this law will be interpreted and used by future administration is yet unknown.