President Donald Trump is facing backlash from New York City leaders after his administration enforced federal flag code at the Stonewall National Monument, removing a Pride flag from the historic site earlier this week.
Interior Department officials said the decision was not political but procedural. They cited longstanding federal regulations that strictly limit which flags may be displayed at national monuments.
Under federal code, only the American flag, the Department of the Interior flag, and POW/MIA flags are permitted. Advocacy or political flags are not authorized on federally managed monuments.
Pride flags remain visible at the adjacent Stonewall Inn, which is privately owned and not governed by National Park Service rules.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani blasted the move online, saying he was “outraged” and arguing that the city has a duty to both honor and live up to Stonewall’s legacy.
Hundreds of demonstrators gathered Thursday as city officials re-raised a Pride flag at the monument, escalating tensions between federal authorities and local leaders.
The Department of the Interior responded sharply. “Instead of addressing the basic needs of their constituents, city leaders seem more focused on theatrics than solutions,” a spokesperson said.
The spokesperson cited winter power outages, rising homelessness, and sanitation complaints as evidence that city leadership should prioritize essential services over symbolic disputes.
“Residents are left wondering why their elected officials are prioritizing headlines over heating,” the statement added.
Federal officials insisted that the removal reflects “longstanding federal flag policy” and is intended to maintain uniformity across national monuments.
They emphasized that the monument’s mission to preserve and interpret the history of the 1969 riots remains unchanged.
A source familiar with the situation said an American flag had not previously flown at the monument and that park officials purchased one to ensure compliance with U.S. Code, per Trending Politics.
The dispute is unfolding against a backdrop of broader tensions within the National Park Service. Last year, protest actions occurred at sites including Yosemite National Park, where demonstrators unfurled an upside-down American flag at El Capitan.
Those demonstrations were reportedly linked to employees and activists critical of administration policies.
The Stonewall monument was established in 2016 by Barack Obama, marking the first national monument dedicated to gay rights history.
While the administration says it is enforcing existing law, critics argue the decision sends a cultural signal beyond simple compliance.
Supporters counter that federal property must follow federal rules, regardless of local political sentiment.
The clash underscores a widening divide between Washington and progressive city officials over symbolism, governance, and the interpretation of national landmarks.
