‘Dire Distress’ Signal Spotted On White House Lawn

An American flag was spotted lying on the South Lawn of the White House on Sunday night, a sight that typically signals “dire distress.”

The Stars and Stripes were blown off Donald Trump’s newly installed flagpole after the rotor wash from Marine One’s landing knocked it to the ground. Trump was photographed walking past the fallen banner as he returned from Mar-a-Lago.

More Fake News. The beautiful American Flag that was installed by President Trump never touched the ground. It was lowered into a special container out of an abundance of caution during the Marine One landing due to high winds. https://t.co/nLFtNd5xT3

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) November 17, 2025

The U.S. Flag Code, a federal law that lays out proper etiquette for displaying the flag, is explicit. “The flag should never be displayed with the union down, except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property,” it states. The code also notes, “The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground.”

When a flag is accidentally dropped or hits the ground, tradition calls for it to be retired.

Using an upside-down flag as a distress signal goes back to naval warfare customs that predate America’s founding. It has also been used in moments of unrest, including the Civil War, to reflect national turmoil.

The president installed two towering flagpoles on the White House grounds in June. Each stands nearly 100 feet tall and flies a massive American flag visible across Washington. Trump has called them the “most magnificent” flagpoles he has ever seen.

The poles are part of a sweeping series of renovations Trump has pushed during his second term, including a new $300 million ballroom that required demolishing the East Wing.

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