On Wednesday, June 18, three days before bombing Iran, Donald Trump had two gigantic American flags planted at the White House. One stood on the South Lawn, and the other on the North side. The banners, hoisted on 30-meter poles like those seen at car dealerships, were unveiled during an inauguration ceremony. The president praised the poles as "the most magnificent poles ever made" – "tall, tapered, rust proof," he added, before turning to the workers and asking if they were undocumented immigrants.
Trump has always professed an excessive love for the flag. At his campaign rallies, he sometimes even hugs the Stars and Stripes placed on stage. And since his re-election, he has not only reshaped the executive branch but has also sought to transform the White House itself, unafraid to give the modest 1,800 monument the feel of a Potomac Mar-a-Lago. Next on his list: a ballroom.
On June 18, as he inaugurated his new flags, the 47th president faced headwinds: His popularity had begun to decline again. More than half of Americans (52%) disapprove of his actions, compared with 46%, according to the average compiled by Nate Silver. Even when accounting for his supposed strongholds – economy, immigration – his approval ratings do not exceed 50%, well below those of his predecessors after six months in office.
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