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LGBTQ Republicans Remain Silent on Removal of Rainbow Flag from Stonewall Monument
Leading LGBTQ conservative groups and politicians have not spoken out against the Trump administration's decision.
Feb. 19, 2026 at 10:31pm
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The removal of the Rainbow Flag from the Stonewall National Monument in New York City has sparked widespread outrage in the LGBTQ community, but many prominent LGBTQ Republicans have stayed silent on the issue. The Log Cabin Republicans, a national organization of LGBTQ conservatives, did not respond to requests for comment, nor did Staten Island Councilmember David Carr, the only GOP city lawmaker. This silence contrasts with the vocal opposition from LGBTQ rights advocates and Democratic politicians.
Why it matters
The lack of criticism from LGBTQ Republicans highlights the growing divide between the party's conservative wing and the LGBTQ community's broader political priorities. While much of the LGBTQ community is fighting for transgender rights and inclusive policies, the Log Cabin Republicans have expressed opposition to measures like gender-affirming care for youth.
The details
The Rainbow Flag was removed from the Stonewall National Monument, a site commemorating the 1969 Stonewall riots that sparked the modern LGBTQ rights movement, by the Trump administration in 2026. This decision has drawn condemnation from LGBTQ advocates and Democratic politicians, but leading LGBTQ Republican groups and politicians have not spoken out against it. The Log Cabin Republicans, a national LGBTQ conservative organization, did not respond to requests for comment, nor did Staten Island Councilmember David Carr, the only GOP city lawmaker.
- The Rainbow Flag was removed from the Stonewall National Monument in 2026 by the Trump administration.
- On February 12, 2026, activists and elected officials re-raised the Rainbow Flag at the monument.
The players
Log Cabin Republicans
A national organization of LGBTQ conservatives that did not respond to requests for comment on the removal of the Rainbow Flag from the Stonewall National Monument.
David Carr
The only Republican city lawmaker on the New York City Council, who also did not respond to requests for comment on the flag's removal.
What they’re saying
“When we did the [Respect for Marriage Act], we did get bipartisan support. It's a different world, with Trump and all of his horrible, hateful minions, but we're going to fight to get bipartisan support.”
— Chuck Schumer, Senate Majority Leader
What’s next
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer plans to introduce new legislation to protect the Rainbow Flag by making it a congressionally-authorized flag, though he expressed doubts about getting Republican support.
The takeaway
The silence from LGBTQ Republicans on the removal of the Rainbow Flag from the Stonewall National Monument highlights the growing divide between the party's conservative wing and the broader LGBTQ community's political priorities, which include protecting transgender rights and inclusive policies that the Log Cabin Republicans have opposed.
