Following Donald Trump's historic guilty verdict, a wave of images depicting upside-down American flags has surfaced on social media platforms as a form of protest by his supporters and right-wing commentators. The display of these inverted flags has gained momentum, with sightings reported outside Trump Tower in New York City and shared online by various individuals, including elected officials like Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene.
The symbol of the upside-down American flag gained prominence after it was flown outside Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito's residence in Alexandria, Virginia, following the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack by Trump supporters. This flag was also carried by rioters during the unrest, echoing Trump's baseless claims of election fraud.
Notable figures in right-wing media and social media influencers, along with everyday citizens, have rallied around the inverted flag in response to Trump's conviction on 34 felony counts in his New York hush money trial. The verdict has sparked heated rhetoric online, with some referring to it as a prelude to a potential 'civil war' or the demise of America.
The inverted flag, historically a distress signal for sailors, has now become synonymous with the 'Stop the Steal' movement, which falsely alleges election fraud in the 2020 presidential election. Despite numerous court rulings and investigations debunking these claims, the symbol persists as a form of protest.
Additionally, references to the fall of Rome and comparisons to historical collapses have been circulating on social media platforms, with some high-profile individuals drawing parallels to past civilizations. The use of the upside-down flag as a protest tool has a long history, dating back to anti-Vietnam War demonstrations and subsequent legal battles affirming the right to display the flag in this manner.
Moreover, alongside the inverted flag, images of the 'Appeal to Heaven' flag have also surfaced in response to the guilty verdict. This flag, symbolizing American resistance during the Revolutionary War, has been co-opted by far-right and Christian nationalist movements, making appearances at Trump rallies and during the Capitol insurrection.
As the aftermath of Trump's conviction continues to unfold, the display of these symbolic flags serves as a visual representation of the deep political divisions and unrest within the country.
