Bath Iron Works Criticized for Flag Display Ahead of Secretary of War Visit

Resident calls for flags to be flown upside down in protest of political figures' actions.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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A resident of Damariscotta, Maine expressed outrage at seeing Bath Iron Works, a major shipbuilding facility, decorated with flags in anticipation of a visit by the secretary of war. The resident, Stephen Cole, condemned political figures like Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth as "deadly enemies of the Constitution, democracy and every American", and said the flags at BIW should have been flown upside down as a sign of distress.

Why it matters

The display of flags at a major defense contractor's facility ahead of a government official's visit has become a flashpoint for political tensions, with the resident viewing it as an endorsement of figures and policies they strongly disagree with. This reflects the deep partisan divides in the country and the ways in which political disagreements can manifest in local communities.

The details

In the letter published on centralmaine.com, the resident Stephen Cole described passing through Bath, Maine last Sunday and being "sickened" to see Bath Iron Works, a major shipbuilder, decorated with flags in anticipation of a visit by the secretary of war. Cole condemned political figures like former President Donald Trump and Fox News host Pete Hegseth as "deadly enemies of the Constitution, democracy and every American", and said the flags at BIW should have been flown upside down as a sign of distress.

  • The letter was published on February 14, 2026.

The players

Stephen Cole

A resident of Damariscotta, Maine who wrote a letter criticizing the flag display at Bath Iron Works.

Bath Iron Works

A major shipbuilding facility located in Bath, Maine.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States, whom the letter writer condemns as an "enemy of the Constitution, democracy and every American".

Pete Hegseth

A Fox News host, whom the letter writer also condemns as an "enemy of the Constitution, democracy and every American".

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What they’re saying

“Simply put, Donald Trump, Pete Hegseth and their ilk are deadly enemies of the Constitution, democracy and every American.”

— Stephen Cole, Damariscotta resident (centralmaine.com)

The takeaway

This incident highlights the deep political divisions in the country, where even routine displays of patriotism can become flashpoints for partisan disagreements. It underscores the challenges communities face in navigating these tensions and finding common ground.