Donald Trump Faces Backlash After Photo Shows American Flag Nearing Ground at White House

Flag Controversy Erupts Over White House Photo

November 17, 2025: A storm of criticism has erupted after photos circulated showing former President Donald Trump walking across the South Lawn of the White House while a newly installed U.S. flag appears to be drooping dangerously close to the ground. HOLR has the latest news as this moment raises serious questions about respect for the nation’s symbol.

The Image Sparking Outrage

In the photos, Trump is seen returning to Washington, D.C., from Mar-a-Lago on November 16, 2025, making his way past a flagpole where the American flag looks like it’s almost touching the grass. HOLR breaks down the story here: according to Title 4 of the U.S. Flag Code, the flag should never touch the ground.

Defense From the White House

The White House pushed back on claims of a breach. Spokesperson Davis Ingle said the flag never actually touched the ground. According to the statement, high winds during Trump’s Marine One landing forced staff to lower the flag into a protective container as a safety measure.

Why This Is a Big Deal

To some, the image is more than just a photo—it’s a symbolic misstep. Critics argue that flag etiquette matters, especially for someone who has publicly emphasized the flag’s importance. Trump himself issued an executive order earlier this year to punish flag desecration.

On the flip side, others say the optics are overblown if the White House’s explanation is accurate. Still, the timing and symbolism have sparked heated online debate.

Context: Bigger Flagpoles, Bigger Statement

This isn’t the first time flag policy has stirred controversy under Trump. Earlier this year, he installed two nearly 90-foot-tall flagpoles on the North and South Lawns. The move was widely viewed as a symbolic gesture—one now shadowed by questions about how the flag is being handled.

What Comes Next

As criticism continues to build, political observers are watching for whether Trump or the White House will revisit their handling of ceremonial symbols. HOLR has the latest news and will keep following how the story evolves, especially as flag etiquette norms collide with presidential optics.