San Francisco Post Office Lowers Flag Based on False Presidential Order Claim

A San Francisco Post Office facility reportedly lowered its U.S. flag to half-staff this week following a false claim of a presidential order issued for conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. The incident, shared by former Arizona Senate candidate Blake Masters on social media, detailed an individual convincing a federal employee to alter the flag's position under erroneous pretenses. The U.S. Flag Code outlines specific, solemn circumstances for such honors, none of which apply to the reported situation.

According to established U.S. Flag Code protocols, flags are flown at half-staff only by presidential proclamation for national mourning, such as the death of high-ranking government officials, military personnel, or following significant national tragedies. State governors can issue similar orders for state-level mourning. Fact-checking confirms there has been no presidential proclamation or official order for the U.S. flag to be flown at half-staff in honor of Charlie Kirk, who is alive and actively involved in his organization.

Blake Masters' tweet described the interaction, stating his "patriot friend walked into a Post Office in SF today" and asked if it was a federal facility. The friend then instructed the employee, > "Your flag needs to be at half mast until Sunday. Yes. The President ordered it, for Charlie Kirk, until Sunday." The Post Office employee, seemingly unaware of the factual inaccuracy, reportedly complied with the request, stating, "Ok ok I’ll go do it."

Charlie Kirk is the founder and CEO of Turning Point USA, a conservative non-profit organization, and a prominent figure in conservative media and activism. The claim of a presidential order for him to be honored with a half-staff flag is entirely unfounded and contradicts established federal guidelines. This incident highlights a potential vulnerability to misinformation impacting official protocols and the proper display of national symbols at federal facilities.