Fact Check: Did Zohran Mamdani order the removal of American flags after July 4?
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Following the nationwide celebration of the Fourth of July, marking the 250th anniversary of US independence, a rumor began circulating on social media claiming that New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani ordered the removal of American flags and patriotic decorations from across the city.
The claim quickly spread across platforms, with some users criticizing the alleged move while others questioned its authenticity. Here's a closer look at the viral post and whether there is any evidence to support it.
Claim: Zohran Mamdani ordered the removal of American flags after July 4
According to a post on Facebook, Mamdani had public works crews out first thing Monday morning to take down all of the city's Fourth of July flags and patriotic decorations.
The post further alleged that Mamdani called the displays "an unnecessary display of Nationalism," adding, "We're New Yorkers first."
It also claimed that his wife raised the Palestinian flag at Gracie Mansion for an hour as a peaceful protest, while taxpayer-funded Pride flags remained displayed across the five boroughs.
The claim also spread on X, garnering hundreds of thousands of views and drawing mixed reactions from online users.
While many criticized the alleged move and questioned the mayor's patriotism, others remained skeptical and called for a fact check.
Fact check: Viral claim originated from a satire page
The claim is false. There are no credible reports indicating that Mamdani ordered the removal of American flags or patriotic decorations following the Fourth of July celebrations.
There is also no evidence that he made the remark describing the displays as "an unnecessary display of Nationalism."
A search for both the claim and the alleged quote did not produce any reporting from credible news organizations. If such an order had been issued by the New York City mayor, it would likely have been widely covered by major media outlets.
Further, the claim originated from the Facebook parody page 'America's Last Line Of Defence,' which publishes satirical content. The post was intended as satire and not as a factual report.
Zohran Mamdani speaks about immigration and unity during July 4 event
Mamdani used the nation's 250th anniversary celebration on Friday, July 3, to deliver a speech defending immigration and diversity while criticizing what he described as the "forces of division" shaping American politics.
Speaking from behind George Washington's desk inside New York City Hall, Mamdani addressed a room filled with recently naturalized American citizens holding American flags.
"For generation after generation, we have been told that when the world has sent its people to our shores, it has not sent its best," he said.
Although he did not mention President Donald Trump by name, his remarks were widely viewed as a response to the administration's immigration policies and political messaging.
