Democratic convention featured American flags, despite false posts online

As Democrats gathered to nominate Kamala Harris for the presidency, numerous posts across platforms claimed the Chicago, Illinois, venue was noticeably missing a key symbol of the United States: the American flag. But such claims are false; video and photos show the Stars and Stripes featured prominently throughout the Democratic National Convention.

"Not a single American Flag in sight at the DNC Rally. But other countries flags are being flown high as can be! Shows what party is for America," says a Facebook post shared August 19, 2024, the first day of the DNC.

Similar posts spread widely across Facebook and other platforms throughout the four-day event, which culminated with Vice President Harris accepting the party's nomination to take on Donald Trump in November's presidential election.

Some protesters demonstrating outside the venue against Israel's war in Gaza did carry Palestine flags.

But the social media claims that American flags were absent from the DNC are false.

Live broadcasts, footage and photos taken during the event show the banners were plentiful each night, both on stage and in the crowd.

AFP videos and photos captured US flags adorning the stage each day of the convention as speakers such as Harris -- who addressed the crowd on the first and fourth nights -- and President Joe Biden gave remarks. They were also displayed on stage for the Pledge of Allegiance, brandished during musical performances and shown digitally on the United Center's screens. On the final night of the convention, audience members waved them en masse.

Harris wore an American flag lapel pin on her jacket as she accepted the nomination. The vice presidential nominee, Tim Walz, also wore a flag pin onstage.

AFP has debunked other misinformation about the DNC, including here, here, here and here.

More of AFP's reporting on misinformation about US politics here.