In the ever-evolving landscape of American politics, symbols play a powerful role in shaping the narrative and guiding public perception. One of the most potent symbols in this context is the American flag, a banner representing unity, freedom, and the nation’s ideals. However, in recent years, the flag has also become a political tool, symbolizing various interpretations of patriotism, governance, and identity. Two figures who have found themselves at the intersection of this discourse are former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance.
Both Trump and Vance have emerged as key figures within the Republican Party, representing a populist, nationalist brand of conservatism. Their relationship to the American flag, and what it stands for, has both mirrored and influenced broader societal debates about the direction of the country, the meaning of patriotism, and the future of American democracy.
The Flag as a Political Symbol
The American flag has always been a powerful national symbol, dating back to its adoption during the Revolutionary War. Over time, it has come to represent various aspects of American identity: liberty, democracy, and the sacrifices made by those who have fought for the nation’s ideals. It is flown during national celebrations, displayed proudly in front of homes, and draped over the coffins of fallen soldiers.
However, in contemporary political discourse, the flag has taken on additional meanings. For many conservatives, the flag represents traditional values, a love of country, and a commitment to a strong, secure nation. It is often seen as a rebuttal to what some perceive as a decline in patriotism or an increase in anti-American sentiment from certain sectors of society.
Conversely, others view the flag through a more critical lens, acknowledging its importance while also recognizing the struggles that have taken place under its banner. For some, the flag also serves as a reminder of ongoing social justice battles and the need to address systemic inequalities in the U.S.
This dichotomy came to a head during the Trump presidency and has continued into the era of J.D. Vance’s rise in the Republican Party. Both figures have positioned themselves as defenders of a certain kind of patriotism, one where the flag is central to their vision of America’s future.
Donald Trump and the Flag
During his tenure as president, Donald Trump made the American flag a centerpiece of his political messaging. He frequently staged events with large flag displays, incorporated it into his rallies, and emphasized his administration’s commitment to “Make America Great Again” under the banner of Old Glory. To Trump and his supporters, the flag symbolized a return to an idealized vision of America—one where national pride, economic strength, and a strong military were paramount.
Trump’s flag-related rhetoric also extended into culture wars, especially during the national debate over NFL players kneeling during the national anthem. When athletes, starting with Colin Kaepernick, chose to kneel in protest of police brutality and racial injustice, Trump famously condemned the act as unpatriotic and disrespectful to the flag. His stance rallied his base, many of whom saw the protests as an affront to the nation’s values. For them, standing for the flag was a sign of respect, while kneeling was seen as divisive.
However, Trump’s critics argued that he was using the flag to stoke division and to appeal to nationalist and xenophobic sentiments. They viewed his rhetoric as overly simplistic and exclusionary, as it failed to recognize the broader context of the protests and the desire for systemic reform. To these critics, the flag could represent both the ideals of freedom and the struggles to achieve equality—something they felt Trump was ignoring in favor of a more one-dimensional form of patriotism.
Despite this, Trump’s use of the flag resonated deeply with his base. For them, it was a rallying point, a symbol of their identity and their vision for America. His embrace of the flag was not merely symbolic but became a core part of his political brand, reinforcing his image as a populist leader fighting for “real” Americans against the elites and the establishment.
J.D. Vance and the Flag in a Post-Trump Era
J.D. Vance, a venture capitalist and author of the memoir Hillbilly Elegy, has followed in Trump’s footsteps in terms of his political messaging, including his relationship with the American flag. Vance’s rise in the Republican Party has been shaped by his ability to speak to the same populist, working-class concerns that helped propel Trump to victory in 2016. While Vance initially distanced himself from Trump, he later embraced the former president’s brand of nationalism during his run for the Senate, understanding its appeal to the Republican base.
Vance’s use of the flag follows the same pattern, positioning it as a symbol of traditional American values. Like Trump, Vance often speaks about the flag in the context of a larger narrative about the decline of American greatness and the need to return to a time when the country was strong, self-sufficient, and united. This resonates particularly well in Rust Belt states like Ohio, where many working-class voters feel left behind by globalization and the shifting priorities of both major political parties.
For Vance, the flag is not just a symbol of patriotism but also a symbol of resistance to what he sees as a cultural and economic elite that is out of touch with ordinary Americans. This ties into his broader critique of “globalism” and his call for a renewed emphasis on American manufacturing, family values, and community.
In his campaign speeches and public appearances, Vance has used the flag to rally his supporters around a vision of America that is more inward-looking, more focused on national sovereignty, and more concerned with protecting American jobs and culture. Like Trump, he uses the flag to represent a kind of populist nationalism that appeals to voters who feel disillusioned with the current political system.
The Broader Implications of Flag Symbolism in American Politics
The use of the American flag by both Trump and Vance highlights a broader trend in American politics, where symbols are often co-opted to represent specific ideologies and political movements. In the case of Trump and Vance, the flag has become a symbol of a populist, nationalist vision of America—one that is skeptical of globalism, critical of multiculturalism, and focused on a return to traditional values.
This appropriation of the flag by the populist right has also sparked a counter-movement among progressives and other critics, who argue that the flag should represent all Americans, not just those who adhere to a particular political ideology. For them, the flag is a symbol of a more inclusive vision of America, one that recognizes both the country’s strengths and its flaws, and one that embraces diversity and the ongoing struggle for justice.
This battle over the symbolism of the flag is reflective of deeper divisions within American society. On one side, some see the flag as a unifying symbol of national pride and traditional values. On the other side, some see it as a more complex symbol—one that represents both the nation’s ideals and the ongoing work to live up to those ideals.
Conclusion: The Future of the Flag in American Politics
As figures like Donald Trump and J.D. Vance continue to shape the Republican Party, the American flag will likely remain a central symbol in the country’s political discourse. For many, it will continue to represent a vision of America that is strong, self-reliant, and proud of its heritage. For others, it will remain a more contested symbol, one that reflects both the promise of America and the need for continued progress.
Ultimately, the debate over the meaning of the flag is a reflection of the broader struggle over what it means to be an American in the 21st century. As the nation grapples with issues of identity, inequality, and global competition, the flag will remain a powerful symbol—one that can unite, but also one that can divide. Whether it represents a vision of unity or a battleground for competing ideologies, its place in American politics is secure. What remains to be seen is how its meaning will evolve in the years to come, and whether figures like Trump and Vance will continue to define its role in shaping the national narrative.