President Donald Trump was criticized after announcing that two new flagpoles would be added to the North and South Lawns of the White House—not the greatest look amid heightened global unease as tensions between Israel and Iran ramp up.
According to the Associated Press, Trump watched as a crane installed the newest flagpole on the South Lawn, remarking, “It’s such a beautiful pole.” He later returned to the site to salute as the American flag was raised for the first time.
A second flagpole has been installed on the North Lawn near Pennsylvania Avenue. Together, the towering additions represent the most prominent changes to the White House exterior since Trump resumed the presidency and began pushing forward with his vision to reshape the building.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump declared:
“It is my Great Honor to announce that I will be putting up two beautiful Flag Poles on both sides of the White House, North and South Lawns. It is a GIFT from me of something which was always missing from this magnificent place.” ...
“These are the most magnificent poles made - They are tall, tapered, rust proof, rope inside the pole, and of the highest quality. Hopefully they will proudly stand at both sides of the White House for many years to come!”
You can see his post below.
@realDonaldTrump/Truth Social
The announcement came just hours after Trump publicly demanded the “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER” of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, following a series of Israeli airstrikes and drone attacks on Iranian officials Friday that triggered retaliatory strikes from Tehran.
On Tuesday, Trump claimed the U.S. knows “exactly” where Khamenei is located but added he wouldn’t be targeted “at least not for now.” The following day, Khamenei dismissed calls to surrender and warned that any U.S. involvement would result in “irreparable damage” to its forces.
Amid all this, many found Trump's focus on his flagpole display rather than brokering a diplomatic solution to avoid greater conflict to be profoundly inappropriate.
Trump said Thursday he will decide within two weeks whether to involve U.S. forces directly in the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, citing what he called a “substantial chance” for renewed nuclear negotiations with Tehran.
Since hostilities began last week, at least 657 people have been killed in Iran—including 263 civilians—and more than 2,000 have been wounded, according to a Washington-based Iranian human rights organization.
In response to Israeli attacks, Iran has launched roughly 450 missiles and 1,000 drones toward Israel, according to the Israeli military. While most were intercepted by Israel’s advanced air defense systems, the strikes have left at least 24 people dead and hundreds more injured.
@WhiteHouse/X
@HomelandSecurityDems
