Trump Administration Resumes Flying Pride Flag at Stonewall National Monument

Mon Apr 13 2026 19:35:20 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

The Trump administration has reversed its decision and will continue to display the Pride flag at the Stonewall National Monument, following backlash and legal pressure from LGBTQ+ and preservation groups.

In a significant turn of events, the Trump administration has agreed to maintain the Pride flag at the Stonewall National Monument, a site crucial to LGBTQ+ history. This decision comes amid an ongoing lawsuit and reflects the administration's aim to address community concerns after the flag's previous removal. The Interior Department has assured that the flag will remain except during maintenance, reaffirming the importance of inclusivity at this historic site.

NEW YORK (RTWNews) — In an unexpected policy reversal, the Trump administration will continue flying the Pride flag above the Stonewall National Monument, affirming its commitment to LGBTQ+ representation. This decision follows significant community pushback and a lawsuit challenging the flag's removal earlier this year.

U.S. Secretary of the Interior confirmed that the Pride flag would remain at the monument, designated as the first national monument reflecting LGBTQ+ history. The agreement stipulates that the flag will be displayed alongside the U.S. flag and the National Park Service flag, maintaining a visible commitment to inclusivity.

The decision to retain the Pride flag is a response to intense advocacy efforts and legal action from LGBTQ+ groups, who argue that the flag symbolizes a vital aspect of American history and identity. The Park Service’s previous removal of the flag was criticized as an undermining of efforts to promote diversity and equity, particularly in a space that commemorates the 1969 Stonewall riots, a catalyst for the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement.

Initially, park officials had justified the removal as a compliance issue with federal guidelines regarding flag displays, which primarily authorize the display of the United States flag and certain other designated flags. However, ongoing public outcry and activist pressure led to this landmark decision, which, if approved by a judge, would cement the Pride flag’s place at the monument.

Advocates and local leaders have expressed that this move represents not just a victory for visibility but also a reaffirmation of the rights and histories of the LGBTQ+ community within American culture. The Stonewall National Monument, established under former President Barack Obama in 2016, is adjacent to the historic Stonewall Inn where protests erupted in response to police raids, leading to increased visibility and rights for LGBTQ+ individuals.

The return of the Pride flag now symbolizes both a healing of community wounds and a renewed commitment by the government to honor all facets of American history.