Pride Flag Removed from Stonewall Monument, Sparking Outrage

The Trump administration's decision to remove the rainbow Pride flag from the Stonewall National Monument draws criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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In a controversial move, the Trump administration has removed the rainbow Pride flag from the Stonewall National Monument in New York City. The Stonewall Inn was the site of a pivotal 1969 uprising that helped launch the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. The decision has sparked outrage from local residents and visitors, who have called it "stupid", "petty", and "mean". The National Parks Service cited a policy limiting flags on government-managed flagpoles, but LGBTQ+ advocates see the move as a troubling rollback of progress.

Why it matters

The Stonewall Inn and the surrounding Christopher Park are considered hallowed ground for the LGBTQ+ community, as the site of a historic uprising against police oppression. The removal of the Pride flag is seen as a symbolic attack on LGBTQ+ rights and representation, especially coming from a presidential administration that has rolled back numerous protections for queer and transgender Americans.

The details

In February 2025, the Trump administration ordered the removal of the rainbow Pride flag from the flagpole at the Stonewall National Monument in New York City. The National Parks Service cited a 2023 policy that limits flags on government-managed flagpoles to only those that represent "the Federal Government's official sentiments." This policy effectively bans the display of the Pride flag, which the Parks Service says does not meet that criteria.

  • The Pride flag was removed from the Stonewall monument on February 14, 2025.
  • The National Parks Service issued guidance in 2023 limiting flags on government flagpoles.

The players

Margot Avery

A New York City resident who criticized the flag removal as "stupid and petty and mean".

Kaelyn Lewis

A Houston, Texas resident visiting New York City who called the removal "disappointing, but not surprising" given the current presidential administration.

National Parks Service

The federal agency that manages the Stonewall National Monument and cited a 2023 policy as the reason for removing the Pride flag.

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What they’re saying

“I don't know. It's just stupid and petty and mean. And it's typical of our current federal government. Horrible.”

— Margot Avery, New York City Resident

“It disappointing, but it's not surprising anymore, unfortunately. This administration, I don't put anything past. If you know, if you don't stand for anything, you'll fall for anything. So I feel like gay, straight, bi, trans, whatever, everybody kind of needs to come together at a time like this because we all need to speak up for one another.”

— Kaelyn Lewis, Houston, Texas Resident Visiting New York City

What’s next

The National Parks Service has indicated it will continue to enforce the 2023 policy limiting flags on government flagpoles, raising concerns that the Pride flag may remain banned from the Stonewall monument.

The takeaway

The removal of the Pride flag from the Stonewall National Monument is seen as a troubling rollback of LGBTQ+ representation and a symbol of the current administration's hostility towards the queer community. It has galvanized advocates to fight for the flag's restoration and to defend the legacy of the Stonewall uprising.