America loves its symbols. From the Liberty Bell to Mount Rushmore, we treasure the images that remind us who we are. These symbols bring us together when other things try to pull us apart.
The White House has always been America’s most famous home. Millions visit each year to snap photos and feel connected to our nation’s story. But something was missing from this iconic building – something President Trump noticed long ago.
President Donald Trump has gifted the White House with two massive American flags that now stand proudly on the North and South Lawns. The 88-foot flagpoles were installed Wednesday, paid for entirely out of Trump’s own pocket as a personal gift to the nation.
From ‘The Post Millennial’:
New flag raised at the White House
— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) June 18, 2025
The president personally oversaw the installation, spending nearly an hour with the construction team despite pressing international issues awaiting his attention. Trump was seen greeting workers, shaking hands, and later saluting as Old Glory was raised on the South Lawn.
“These are the best poles anywhere in the country or in the world,” Trump told reporters gathered to witness the historic moment. “It’s a very exciting project to me.”
A Gift from Trump’s Own Pocket
The impressive flagpoles didn’t come cheap. Each pole cost approximately $50,000, according to Trump, who was happy to cover the expense himself. The high-quality poles are “tall, tapered, rust proof,” with special internal features to ensure longevity.
Trump showed his construction expertise when discussing the technical aspects. “They put sand inside, and if they use dirt or anything else other than sand, it rots out the pole over a period of years. But sand, for some reason, chemically just works,” he explained.
The president’s press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, shared photos of the ceremony on social media, writing: “Old Glory flying high over the beautiful White House! 🇺🇸”
A Long-Held Vision Finally Realized
When asked what inspired the flagpole project, Trump revealed he’d had the idea for many years but waited until his second term to make it happen.
“I’ve had it for a long time. In the first term I had it, but, you know, you guys were after me. I said I had to focus. I was the hunted. And now I’m the hunter. There’s a big difference,” he told reporters.
This isn’t Trump’s first experience with grand flagpoles. In 2006, he installed an 80-foot flagpole at his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, which initially violated local ordinances. After a legal battle with the town, Trump eventually settled on a 70-foot pole instead.
America’s Flag Takes Center Stage
The flag-raising ceremony on the South Lawn drew family members and officials, with Trump standing at attention and saluting as the Stars and Stripes rose skyward. The North Lawn flag installation was delayed due to thunderstorms that moved into the Washington, D.C. area Wednesday afternoon.
Trump hopes the flagpoles will remain long after his presidency ends. In his announcement, he stated: “Hopefully, they will proudly stand at both sides of the White House for many years to come!”
While the president focuses on making America’s house more visibly patriotic, he’s also juggling major international concerns. As reporters tried asking about possible military strikes on Iran, Trump kept his focus on celebrating the flag installation – a reminder that even during tense global moments, American symbols remain a priority.
For millions of Americans, seeing our flag fly high at the White House is a powerful sight. Now, thanks to President Trump’s personal gift, Old Glory stands taller and prouder than ever before at America’s most famous address.
Key Takeaways
- President Trump personally paid $100,000 for two massive 88-foot flagpoles at the White House
- The president called the flags “a GIFT from me of something which was always missing from this magnificent place”
- Trump personally supervised the installation and saluted as the flag was raised on the South Lawn
- The high-quality poles are specially designed with sand inside to prevent deterioration over time
Sources: The Post Millennial, CNN
