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Jenna deJong is a Newsweek journalist based in Denver, Colorado. Jenna joined Newsweek in May 2024. She is a journalism graduate of Missouri State University and specialized in SEO strategy. At Newsweek, Jenna is a general beat reporter. She's previously written for publications including the Summit Daily News, 417 Magazine and Biz 417 Magazine. In these roles, she's covered topics like housing, crime and public safety, local government, real estate, health, and business. In her career so far, Jenna has won two awards through the Alliance of Area Business Publishers. You can get in touch with Jenna by emailing j.dejong@newsweek.com. Languages: English
Digital Media Reporter
Rumors have circulated online suggesting that the U.S. flag was changed in 2025, with some pointing to images of altered banners on government websites as evidence.
Some social media users have speculated that this change was linked to President Donald Trump's return to the White House, while others have claimed the new flag is reminiscent of the first Confederate flag. However, a closer examination of the claims and recent fact-checks prove no official modifications have been made to the American flag.
Did the United States Flag Change?
There has been no official change to the U.S. flag in 2025. The flag remains the same 50-star design that has been in place since Hawaii became a state in 1960. However, speculation about an altered version of the flag appearing on government websites has fueled conspiracy theories. These claims stem from a misunderstanding of digital design elements rather than an actual modification of the national emblem.
Why It Matters
The American flag is a national symbol, and any perceived change could lead to public confusion and political speculation. Social media users have pointed to the presence of a different flag icon on sites—such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Social Security Administration—as evidence that the U.S. flag has been altered. Additionally, concerns about changes to federal websites under Trump's administration have fueled further speculation.
What Does the 9-Star Flag Mean?
The so-called 9-star flag seen on some government websites is not an official redesign of the American flag. Instead, it is a small icon used in web banners as part of the U.S. Web Design System, which provides consistency across federal sites. The choice of nine stars is likely due to design constraints rather than any political or historical significance. Despite online speculation, this icon has been in use for several years, including during former President Joe Biden's administration.
What To Know
A recent report by WCNC-TV, an NBC affiliate in Charlotte, North Carolina, debunked the rumor that the American flag on federal websites had been replaced.
Snopes also conducted a fact check on the matter and found no evidence of a flag change under the Trump administration. Historical captures from the Internet Archive's Wayback Machine also confirm that the design was present during previous administrations, including Biden's presidency.
What People Are Saying
One Reddit user by the name u/Odd-Fee2560 posted: "I believe that flag is intentional. There is far more stars on the emoji flag. I don't believe you can make rational clearly something rational."
Another Reddit user by the name u/Quantity-Used posted: "I heard this today too. I'm hoping it's our overwhelming anxiety making us paranoid, and you know, not the demolition of democracy of anything."
Reddit user named u/losthiker noted that web design was likely the cause: "It's been on many government websites that was using those standards. The reason is that web designers thought it looked nice."
Reddit user named /Royal_Annek posted: "Because it's a tiny icon and there literally aren't enough pixels to show 50 stars. There are also fewer stripes."
What Happens Next
While social media continues to spread claims about a U.S. flag change, government records and historical documentation do not support this assertion. The U.S. flag remains the same 50-star banner that has been in use since 1960.
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