Why the American Flag Was Hung Upside Down at Yosemite?

This weekend, Yosemite National Park visitors were greeted by a striking image: the American flag hung upside down from El Capitan. This unusual display, which defies flag etiquette, was part of a protest against recent job cuts within the National Park Service under the Trump administration. The act served as a symbol of distress, drawing attention to the strain on park services.

Upside-Down Flag at Yosemite Sparks Protest

Tourists visiting Yosemite National Park this weekend were met with a surprising sight—a large American flag displayed upside down on the El Capitan summit. While the iconic design is everywhere, from clothing to decor, it’s important to remember that there are guidelines for its use. According to the U.S. Flag Code, the flag should never be shown with the union (stars) at the bottom, except as a symbol of extreme distress.

Protest Against Job Cuts in the National Park Service

The unusual positioning wasn’t accidental. Park employees deliberately placed it to signal protest against recent job cuts in the National Park Service. Under the Trump administration, 1,000 jobs were eliminated, affecting staff who maintain the parks, including essential services like search and rescue.

Concerns Over Park Maintenance and Visitor Safety

Gavin Carpenter, a Yosemite mechanic who helped hang the flag, said the protest aimed to highlight the negative impact on park maintenance and visitor safety. Photographer Brittany Colt, who shared the image online, expressed concern for the loss of experienced workers, which could make the parks less safe and harder to enjoy.

National Attention and Government Response

The protest gained national attention, and while the Trump administration later announced plans to restore some jobs, the issue of staffing cuts remains a critical concern for park workers and visitors alike.