The upside-down American flag has long been a symbol of distress, originating from sailors who used it to signal danger at sea. However, it has evolved into a political emblem used by protesters to signify that they believe the nation is in peril.
Following the 2020 election, supporters of former President Donald J. Trump adopted the inverted flag to push the false narrative that the election was stolen. This practice gained attention after images surfaced of an upside-down flag outside the home of Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr.
Justice Alito clarified that the flag was placed by his wife in response to offensive language used by a neighbor on yard signs.
Flying an inverted flag was once a call for help at sea.
Before it became a symbol of protest, the upside-down flag was used by sailors to request assistance. The practice likely originated in the British Isles in the 17th century during times of war.
Over the years, the inverted flag has been displayed in various political movements, including protests against slavery and the Vietnam War. It has also been used to symbolize distress and danger, as reflected in the U.S. flag code.
The flag’s meaning has evolved, with different groups adopting it for their causes, from Tea Party activists to protesters against police brutality.
It is now associated with the ‘Stop the Steal’ movement, which denies Donald Trump’s 2020 defeat.
In recent years, the upside-down flag has become a symbol for Trump supporters who reject the legitimacy of President Biden’s election victory. It is commonly seen in MAGA and QAnon communities as a sign of resistance.
The use of the inverted flag has become intertwined with hyperpartisan politics, particularly on the right, where it signifies a perceived threat to the nation and a call to action. This symbol, along with others like the thin-blue-line flag and the Punisher skull, reflects a divisive political landscape.
Jodi Kantor contributed reporting and Alain Delaquérière contributed research.
