Black lives matter to the American Embassy of Seoul — or they did until Trump found out

Black Lives Matter to the American Embassy of Seoul - or they did until Trump found out

Screenshot / Twitter

On Saturday, pedestrians in the Jongno-gu district of Seoul would have seen a large “BLACK LIVES MATTER” sign hanging from the American Embassy building.

The Embassy wanted to show their support of “fellow Americans grieving and peacefully protesting to demand positive change.”

But two days later, it was gone.

Side by side photos of Trump and Pompeo

Screenshot/YouTube

Trump and Pompeo, the Secretary of State got wind of the banner, and were “displeased”.

The Senior State Leadership asked the U.S Embassy to remove the sign.

The official reason was that the Trump administration cannot publicly endorse a non-profit organization. The banner was arguably in violation of the “Hatch Act.”

The Hatch Act is a 1939 federal law that prohibits government employees from participating in certain partisan political activities.

Hey, where was the Hatch Act for Kellyanne Conway?

Kellyanne Conway holding up two fingers

Flickr / Gage Skidmore

Many see the excuse as a little weak. Especially since the Trump administration bends this rule when it comes to certain employees — especially those in the President’s favor.

White House spokesperson Kellyanne Conway was accused of 50 violations of the Hatch Act. The U.S Office of Special Counsel, a federal watchdog agency, recommended her dismissal.

The President refused to fire Conway. Instead, he praised her for being a “tremendous spokesperson.”

What about the other flag?

A photograph of the LGBTQ Pride flag.

Canva

The Black Lives Matter flag was not the only flag that disappeared.

The U.S Embassy also took down their LGBTQ+ banner that was flying in celebration of Pride Month. There is no confusion that the rainbow flag could represent a non-profit organization.

The Embassy has not commented as to their reason.

Trump, Racism, & LGBTQ+

Trump at one of his MAGA rallies

Flickr / Gage Skidmore

The Trump Administration and LGBTQ+ rights do not go hand in hand.

The rainbow Pride banner was taken down just hours before the Supreme Court ruling to protect the rights of LGBTQ+ employees in the workplace.

The monumental ruling came just days after the Trump administration rolled back transgender health care protections put in place by the Obama administration.

Harry Harris takes a stand

Portrait photo of Harry Harris in uniform

Wikimedia

Harry Harris, a retired four-star admiral is the U.S Ambassador to the Seoul Embassy, said he chose to hang the BLACK LIVES MATTER banner from the façade of the Embassy.

He tweeted:

If only the Trump administration would take the same approach.

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