Independence Day this year is no different, with a new flag pole on the South Lawn of the White House, a bill signing and a holiday picnic.
Trump has wrapped his political career in the American flag, making the Stars and Stripes a central visual in his “Make America Great Again” movement. On Friday, he celebrated July Fourth from the South Lawn of the White House, where he recently installed an 88-foot flagpole. He attended a picnic there with military families and signed his signature tax and spending legislation in front of more than a dozen American flags. He wore his signature uniform: a red tie, white shirt and blue suit, along with a MAGA cap that had an American flag embroidered on the side.
Almost every politician uses the American flag as a backdrop, but no other has deployed the national symbol as their own brand as extensively as the former retail and licensing mogul. His family business sells dozens of “Trump” branded trinkets with flag imagery, including a $120 rubber beach tote and a $110 knit sweater. His supporters have imposed his face on American flags, which they fly from their vehicles or wave from the crowds at his political rallies. His campaign peddled gold lapel pins with “TRUMP” emblazoned on the flag, available for a $50 donation.
And only Trump has transformed the meaning of the American flag into one of the most divisive topics in modern discourse.
As flags are raised throughout the country to honor the traditionally unifying anniversary of the country’s birthday, Trump’s efforts to absorb the American flag into the branding of his Republican Party have left the nation divided over how to celebrate. He calls his supporters “patriots” and his opponents anti-American, ripping open long-simmering debates over what it means to wave the flag and who gets to define American freedom. He has also spurred efforts among some Democrats and Trump opponents to embrace the flag and Independence Day celebrations — while, among others who do not care for Trump, he has pushed them away from such traditionally patriotic activities.