The fight over a Trump flag in the small New York village of Croton-on-Hudson is shaping up to be about more than just one piece of cloth.
It touches on property rights, free speech, and even President Trump’s new executive order on protecting the American flag.
And yes, it’s a fight that matters far beyond New York, including here in Nevada.
UNREAL. Croton-on-Hudson, NY, is SUING long-time resident Leonard Amicola for displaying a Trump flag on his own property, citing “Village Code violations.”
This is a blatant attack on Free Speech. pic.twitter.com/PHIh5SV0eq
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) September 4, 2025
Local Control vs. Free Expression
Croton-on-Hudson is not a big city. It’s a village on the Hudson River with about 8,000 people.
Like most towns in New York, it has its own municipal code. That code, which was updated as recently as June 1, 2025, spells out zoning rules and property regulations. It covers things like yard signs, building permits, and even flags.
In other words, the local government there says it has the right to control how and where signs and flags can be displayed [Village of Croton-on-Hudson, NY Code – ecode360.com].
Supporters of the rule say villages like Croton have the authority to make their own laws under New York’s Constitution and Municipal Home Rule Law. Article IX gives small governments wide power to set local rules.
That’s how they justify the lawsuit against the homeowner flying a Trump flag.
But here’s the problem: when “local rules” start deciding which political messages are okay and which aren’t, you’ve crossed into dangerous territory.
Today it’s a Trump flag. Tomorrow it could be a “Don’t Tread on Me” flag – or even a church cross.
The Courts Have a Say
The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that private property owners don’t have to allow other people’s free speech on their land.
In plain terms, if you own the property, you don’t have to let someone else plant their protest sign in your front yard. But the Court has also said states can offer broader protections than the federal baseline.
That’s what makes this lawsuit tricky. New York courts could decide the village has more power to restrict displays than most of us would expect.
And once one state does it, others could follow.
Trump’s New Executive Order
Meanwhile, President Trump just put a spotlight back on the flag debate.
On August 25, 2025, he signed an executive order making it a federal crime to burn the American flag if the act incites violence. This connects directly to the Croton case.
If burning the American flag can be limited when it threatens peace, should a Trump flag on private property be protected when it threatens no one?
Could Your HOA or County Ban a Trump Flag?
Now, some folks might ask, why should Nevadans care about a village fight in New York? The answer is simple: these cases set precedents.
What happens in New York courts could influence rules in Reno, Henderson, or right here in Las Vegas.
Nevada has seen its fair share of disputes over yard signs and flags, especially during election season.
Local governments sometimes try to regulate sign size or timing, claiming it’s about “aesthetics” or “safety.” But homeowners see it as a direct shot at their right to speak out.
Critics Push Back
Of course, critics say local rules don’t silence anyone.
They argue homeowners can still support Trump with bumper stickers, T-shirts, or by attending rallies. They say these codes are about maintaining community standards, not censoring speech.
But here’s the conservative view: once you start telling people what they can and can’t display on their own property, you’ve crossed a line. Government shouldn’t get to play referee with political messages.
Who Gets to Decide — You or the Government?
At the heart of this fight is a simple question: Who gets to decide what you can display on your property – you, or the government?
For conservatives, the answer is clear. Whether it’s a Trump flag in New York or a Gadsden flag in Nevada, the right to show your values on your own land should not be up for debate.
If the courts allow local governments to chip away at that right, every American should be concerned.
The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Nevada News & Views. This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
