Trump Administration Removes Pride Flag from Stonewall Monument

Decision sparks outrage from local leaders over monument to gay rights movement

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The Trump administration has removed the rainbow-colored Pride flag from a flagpole outside the Stonewall National Monument in New York City, the birthplace of the gay rights movement. Local leaders have condemned the decision, calling it an affront to the LGBTQ community and the legacy of the Stonewall Riots.

Why it matters

The Stonewall National Monument was established in 2016 to commemorate the 1969 Stonewall Riots, a pivotal moment in the modern gay rights movement. The removal of the Pride flag is seen as a symbolic attack on LGBTQ rights and representation during the Trump administration.

The details

The Pride flag had been flying at the Stonewall National Monument since the monument's establishment in 2016. The Trump administration has now removed the flag, replacing it with the standard American flag. Local leaders, including New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, have condemned the decision as an insult to the LGBTQ community and the history of the gay rights movement.

  • The Stonewall National Monument was established in 2016 to commemorate the 1969 Stonewall Riots.
  • The Pride flag had been flying at the monument since its establishment.
  • The Trump administration removed the Pride flag in February 2026.

The players

Trump administration

The current presidential administration led by former President Donald Trump.

Bill de Blasio

The Mayor of New York City, who has condemned the removal of the Pride flag from the Stonewall National Monument.

Stonewall National Monument

A national monument established in 2016 to commemorate the 1969 Stonewall Riots, a pivotal moment in the modern gay rights movement.

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What they’re saying

“The removal of the Pride flag from the Stonewall National Monument is an affront to the LGBTQ community and the legacy of the Stonewall Riots.”

— Bill de Blasio, Mayor of New York City (washingtonpost.com)

The takeaway

The removal of the Pride flag from the Stonewall National Monument is a symbolic attack on LGBTQ rights and representation, and a concerning development during the Trump administration's tenure.