Trump wraps his political brand tightly in U.S. flag symbolism, deepening national divisions.
As the Independence Day weekend unfolds, analysts are focusing less on fireworks and more on a symbol: the American flag — notably how Donald Trump has co-opted it. Being born on Flag Day, Trump has woven the flag into nearly every aspect of his political life — from massive flagpoles at Mar‑a‑Lago to consistently draping merchandise, rally stages, and public events in red, white, and blue.
But critics say his use is excessive — framing it as political theater that exploits national symbolism. They point to controversies: flying the flag during flag‑mourning periods and supporters displaying it upside down at January 6 remembrance events. Some progressive leaders have even begun distributing flags in Congress as a bipartisan gesture of reclaiming patriotism.
This politicization layers meaning onto a once-unifying symbol, splitting it along party lines. Some see Trump’s strategy as effectively rallying his base; others view it as dangerously narrowing the meaning of national unity. As one analyst noted, “The flag has become both a weapon and a shield.”
With national celebrations ongoing, Americans seem to be grappling with a deeper question: What does patriotism mean in a deeply divided age — and who gets to define it?
I’m Adedayo Obadina
Talksocialtalks
