A memo signed by Secretary of Defense Mark Esper leaves the Confederate banner off the list of flags that are allowed to be displayed at military installations.
As the U. S. begins to reckon with it’s divisive past, with some states removing monuments to Confederate soldiers and others considering reparations, the Pentagon effectively banned flying the Confederate Flag at military installations—while trying to sidestep a clash with a flag-defending President Trump.
President Trump, who is said to be aware of the new policy, has been critical of banning Confederate flags, the flying of which he sees as a “free speech” issue. The President recently criticized NASCAR for banning the flag and has in the past spoken out against military efforts to address divisive symbols.
