Former President Donald Trump’s guilty verdict in a New York trial has sparked a wave of protests across the country, with supporters flying the American flag upside down as a sign of their disapproval. The inverted flag, which has historically been used as a distress signal or a symbol of opposition, has become a rallying point for those who believe that the legal system is being weaponized against Trump.
Supporters of the former president have been sharing images of the inverted flag on social media, with Donald Trump Jr., Lara Trump, and Marjorie Taylor Greene among those who have posted the symbol. Some social media users have also used the hashtag “RIP America” and referenced the fall of the Roman Empire in response to the verdict.
The upside-down American flag has a long history of being used as a protest symbol. It was first used in the 1700s by sailors to signal distress, and it has been used by Americans on both sides of the political spectrum throughout history. In the mid-1800s, it was used by those who opposed slavery, and in the 1960s, it was carried by protesters of the Vietnam War. More recently, the inverted flag has been flown by some protesting the death of George Floyd and the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.
The use of the upside-down American flag in response to Trump’s guilty verdict has sparked controversy, with some critics arguing that it is a sign of disrespect for the country. However, supporters of the former president argue that it is a necessary symbol of their opposition to what they see as a politically motivated prosecution.
The guilty verdict against Trump has also raised questions about the future of the Republican Party. Some believe that the verdict will galvanize Trump’s base and make him a more formidable candidate in the 2024 presidential election. Others believe that the verdict will damage Trump’s reputation and make it more difficult for him to win the presidency again. Only time will tell what the long-term impact of the verdict will be.