NY Politicians Defy Trump, Reinstall Pride Flag at Stonewall

Clash escalates over federal efforts to remove LGBTQ+ symbols from birthplace of gay rights movement

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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New York politicians, including Rep. Dan Goldman, Rep. Jerry Nadler, and Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal, openly defied the Trump administration by planting a new Pride flag at the Stonewall National Monument after the National Park Service removed the LGBTQ+ banner under guidance from the Trump administration. The move sparked outrage from LGBTQ+ advocates who accused Trump of trying to erase queer history from the site of the 1969 Stonewall uprising.

Why it matters

The Stonewall National Monument is considered the birthplace of the modern gay rights movement, making the removal of the Pride flag a symbolic attack on LGBTQ+ history and visibility. The clash highlights the ongoing political tensions over LGBTQ+ rights and representation, with the Trump administration's actions seen as an attempt to marginalize the queer community.

The details

After the National Park Service removed the Pride flag from the federally-controlled Christopher Park, the politicians and advocates gathered to plant a new rainbow flag on a flexible pole inside the park. Several attendees angrily called for the American flag to be taken down and burned, though the organizers ultimately placed the Pride flag level with the American flag. The City Council also passed a resolution denouncing the federal removal of the Pride flag and calling on Congress to respect the significance of national park sites like Stonewall.

  • The Pride flag had flown continuously at the monument since 2022.
  • The politicians planted the new Pride flag on Thursday, February 12, 2026.

The players

Rep. Dan Goldman

A U.S. Representative who joined the effort to reinstall the Pride flag at the Stonewall National Monument.

Rep. Jerry Nadler

A U.S. Representative who joined the effort to reinstall the Pride flag at the Stonewall National Monument.

Brad Hoylman-Sigal

The Manhattan Borough President who participated in planting the new Pride flag at the Stonewall National Monument.

Sam Schulz

A 39-year-old Manhattan resident who expressed outrage over the removal of the Pride flag, calling it "a slap in the face."

Michael Chamberlain

A 52-year-old West Village resident who grew up in the area and vowed that the LGBTQ+ community "won't be erased" despite the flag's removal.

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What they’re saying

“Our rights, not just as Americans but as humans on this planet, is to be here and coexist peacefully.”

— Sam Schulz (New York Post)

“When someone comes in and takes down your flag that is meant to memorialize people who fought for our rights, it's just a slap in the face.”

— Sam Schulz (New York Post)

“To erase us by taking the flag down is a sign that visibility is a possibility, and we're here to obviously show that, with or without the flag, the queer community won't be erased.”

— Michael Chamberlain (New York Post)

What’s next

The City Council's resolution calls on Congress to 'respect the true history and significance' of the Stonewall National Monument, suggesting further political action may be taken to pressure the federal government to restore the Pride flag.

The takeaway

The clash over the Pride flag at Stonewall National Monument underscores the ongoing political battles over LGBTQ+ rights and representation, with the Trump administration's actions seen as an attempt to erase queer history and marginalize the community. The defiant response from New York politicians and advocates highlights the continued fight to preserve LGBTQ+ visibility and commemorate the legacy of the Stonewall uprising.