Trump Administration Sued Over Removal of Stonewall Pride Flag

Lawsuit claims flag removal violated federal law by failing to notify public and consider impact on historic site

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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A group of community organizations has filed a federal lawsuit in Manhattan claiming the Trump administration's removal of the Pride flag from the Stonewall National Monument in New York violated federal law. The lawsuit alleges the government failed to notify the public or consider the ramifications of the flag's removal from the historic site.

Why it matters

The Stonewall Inn and surrounding area in New York City's Greenwich Village is considered the birthplace of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement, after a series of riots at the Stonewall Inn in 1969. The Pride flag has flown at the national monument since it was designated in 2016, making its removal a symbolic and controversial act.

The details

The federal government removed the Pride flag on February 9, 2026, stating it was necessary to comply with Department of Interior and National Park Service policies that only allow the US flag, federal agency flags, and flags commemorating prisoners of war in national parks. However, the lawsuit claims no such requirement exists, and the removal was done without public notification or consideration of the site's historic significance.

  • The Pride flag was removed from the Stonewall National Monument on February 9, 2026.
  • The federal lawsuit was filed in Manhattan on February 17, 2026.

The players

Trump Administration

The federal government under the administration of former President Donald Trump.

Stonewall National Monument

A national monument in New York City's Greenwich Village that commemorates the Stonewall riots, considered the birthplace of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement.

Department of Interior

The U.S. federal executive department responsible for the management and conservation of most federal land and natural resources.

National Park Service

A federal agency that manages all national parks, many national monuments, and other conservation and historical properties with federal involvement.

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What’s next

The judge will consider the lawsuit and determine whether the Pride flag's removal violated federal law and must be restored to the Stonewall National Monument.

The takeaway

This lawsuit highlights the ongoing political battles over LGBTQ+ rights and representation, even at historic sites meant to commemorate the community's struggle for equality. The outcome could set an important precedent for the future display of Pride symbols on federal lands.