For ads-free news, click here.
Today is January 22. Below are some of the stories grabbing headlines this morning. I hope you share this briefing as doing so will make you the smartest person in the room. And don’t forget to download the free DML App from the Google Play or Apple App Store to remain connected to me throughout the day.
From the Washington Free Beacon: The Trump State Department implemented a landmark “One Flag Policy” policy on Monday, barring U.S. outposts at home and abroad from flying any other flag but the Stars and Stripes. The newly issued order, a copy of which was obtained by the Washington Free Beacon, effectively bans American facilities from displaying flags affiliated with left-wing movements, including the pride and Black Lives Matter flags that flew over U.S. government buildings under Biden.
“Starting immediately, only the United States of America flag is authorized to be flown or displayed at U.S. facilities, both domestic and abroad, and featured in U.S. government content,” the order states. “The flag of the United States of America united all Americans under the universal principles of justice, liberty, and democracy. These values, which are the bedrock of our great country, are shared by all American citizens, past and present.”
Any State Department employee who violates the new policy will “face disciplinary action, including termination of employment or contract, or reassignment to their home agency.” The only other flags that will be permitted to fly are the Prisoner of War/Missing in Action (POW/MIA) emblem and the Wrongful Detainees Flag.
“The U.S. flag is a powerful symbol of pride and it is fitting and respectful that only the U.S. flag be flown or displayed at U.S. facilities, both domestically and abroad,” according to the policy memorandum.
Trump’s new Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, was the first Cabinet nominee to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate, in a 99-0 unanimous vote Monday evening.
Shortly after being sworn into office Tuesday morning, Rubio then issued the order declaring that only the U.S. flag will be flown at State Department offices, both domestically and abroad.
During the Biden administration, the State Department, under the guidance of former Sec. Antony Blinken, had repeatedly flown LGBT and Black Lives Matter flags, prompting outrage from conservatives.
In a social media post, Rubio said, “Serving as Secretary of State is a remarkable honor. Thrilled to address @StateDept personnel–who represent the greatest, most effective, talented, and experienced diplomatic corps in history. As Secretary, I want to ensure the Department is conducive to creativity, boldness, and new ideas as we work together to build a better future for our next generation.”
The following video highlights the moment Rubio arrived at the State Department on Tuesday:
Serving as Secretary of State is a remarkable honor. Thrilled to address @StateDept personnel–who represent the greatest, most effective, talented, and experienced diplomatic corps in history. As Secretary, I want to ensure the Department is conducive to creativity, boldness, and… pic.twitter.com/axuE7lvIPK
— Secretary Marco Rubio (@secrubio) January 22, 2025
Rubio was greeted with thunderous applause by the State Department staff:
Welcome to the State Department, Secretary Rubio. pic.twitter.com/m5QC51boFV
— Department of State (@StateDept) January 21, 2025
Honored to be serving with you, Mr. @VP! 🇺🇸 https://t.co/GPmGorxqLm
— Secretary Marco Rubio (@secrubio) January 21, 2025
Getting back up basics @StateDept 🇺🇸🌎 https://t.co/y0yg2rvti8
— heather nauert (@HeatherNauert) January 22, 2025
Follow us on X (Formerly Twitter.)
The DML News App: www.X.com/DMLNewsApp
The Dennis Michael Lynch Podcast archive is available below, with the most recent on top. Never miss an episode. Subscribe to the show by downloading The DML News App or go to Apple Podcasts.
