DOD breaks with Biden admin, refuses to fly Pride flag

"After some careful consideration the department will maintain the existing policy regarding the display" at military bases, Defense Department spokesman John Kirby told reporters. "There won't be an exception made for the Pride flag."

Kirby said that the move "in no way reflects any lack of respect or admiration for the LGBTQ+ community," but more about "the potential … for other challenges that could arise from that exception," Fox News reported.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken had issued an authorization in April for United States diplomatic outposts around the world to fly the Pride flag on the same flagpole as the American flag at embassies or consulates showcasing support for LGBTQ+ rights. The Biden administration reversed an order issued by former President Donald Trump's then-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on flying the Pride flag at some United States embassies, including in India and Australia.

Overturning the Trump-era policy on the matter, Foreign Policy reported in April that Blinken authorized for diplomats to fly the Pride flag before May 17, which marks the international day against homophobia, transphobia, and biphobia, and through June, which is Pride Month in numerous countries around the world.

Rep. Nicole Milliotakis (R-NY) had introduced new legislation, dubbed the "Stars and Stripes Act" that would ban Black Lives Matter among other "political" flags, apart from the American flag, from flying at United States embassies. A leaked memo revealed that the Biden administration authorized the display of Black Lives Matter flags at state department buildings including embassies to commemorate the one-year anniversary of George Floyd's death that sparked outrage.

"We encourage posts to focus on the need to eliminate systemic racism and its continued impact," an internal State Department memo read.