As the United States marks its 250th anniversary, Americans are finding themselves in a dilemma over flying the national flag, the Stars and Stripes, NBC News reported on June 29 (local time).

This is because, amid deepening political polarization, an increasing number of citizens are worried that displaying the flag might be misinterpreted as support for a specific political camp.

While supporters of President Donald Trump believe that flying the flag should be a source of pride, citizens who oppose the President's policies are concerned that doing so might be perceived as an endorsement of the MAGA (Make America Great Again) movement.

Dina Vannick, a resident in the suburbs of Des Moines, Iowa, stated that she plans to fly the flag upside down as a way to express her patriotism while simultaneously protesting against President Trump.

"Since President Trump has turned everything upside down, it is only fitting that the flag be flown upside down," Vannick claimed, adding, "The United States, which was once a proud nation, is now in trouble."

Bruce Watson, a resident of Massachusetts, said that because flying the flag could be taken as support for the Trump administration, he would post a sign alongside any flag he displays to clarify that he is not part of the MAGA movement.

Some citizens are choosing to fly different flags instead of the Stars and Stripes.

Frank Chappell, a master sergeant in the Pennsylvania Air National Guard, explained that he replaced the national flag with the Pennsylvania state flag when he bought his home, stating, "President Trump is dividing Americans through his policies."

"I will fly the national flag again when I can believe that the 50 states of the U.S. have become more united in terms of tolerance and empathy for fellow Americans," Master Sergeant Chappell added.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)