A U.S. Marine veteran in conservative northern California removes his American flag, citing disillusionment with Trump’s policies and their impact on democracy and social services.
At a Glance
- Morgan Akin, an 84-year-old Vietnam-era Marine veteran, has taken down the American flag outside his home in protest of President Trump’s policies
- Akin and his wife have participated in local protests against cuts to the Department of Veterans Affairs and social programs like Head Start
- He expresses concern over the erosion of democratic norms and the treatment of immigrants under the current administration
- Despite residing in a predominantly Republican area, Akin remains vocal about his Democratic beliefs and opposition to Trump’s agenda
- Akin continues to fly the U.S. Marines and Ukrainian flags but has stored the American flag until he perceives national change
Veteran’s Silent Protest Speaks Volumes
In Shasta County, California—an area known for its deep red political hue—84-year-old Morgan Akin, a Vietnam-era Marine Corps veteran, has taken a deeply symbolic step in protest against former President Donald Trump. After decades of proudly flying the American flag outside his home, Akin removed it, saying he could no longer reconcile the flag with the direction the country was headed.
Akin and his wife, both long-time residents of the region, have joined local protests against proposed cuts to the Department of Veterans Affairs and early childhood education programs like Head Start. The couple also opposes what they describe as the administration’s divisive rhetoric and disregard for democratic principles, particularly regarding immigrants and federal authority.
Watch a report: US Marine veteran takes a stand against Trump: ‘He’s tearing the country apart’.
A Lifelong Commitment to Service and Justice
Akin’s protest is rooted in a life defined by service. Enlisting in the Marine Corps at 17, he served for nine years, including time as a drill instructor. Afterward, he completed a college education and spent his career as a game warden for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, patrolling regions from the Sierra to the North Coast.
Akin’s worldview was shaped by his upbringing in segregated Texas, where he saw firsthand the consequences of racial injustice. These early experiences, combined with the camaraderie and discipline of military life, solidified his long-standing belief in government’s role to protect all citizens equally. Even in staunchly Republican Shasta County, he’s remained vocal about his opposition to Trump’s agenda.
Concerns for the Future
Akin’s removal of the flag is not just a symbolic gesture but a heartfelt statement about the state of the nation. He fears that foundational values like the rule of law and civil liberties are under threat. “He’s tearing the country apart,” Akin told The Guardian, citing Trump’s treatment of immigrants, his undermining of government agencies, and threats to deploy the military domestically.
Despite the action, Akin still flies the U.S. Marines flag—a nod to his enduring pride in his service—and a Ukrainian flag, which he says represents the fight for democracy abroad. The American flag, however, remains folded and stored until he feels the country rediscovers its commitment to justice, unity, and constitutional principles.
