‘Don’t Tread On Me’ flag, widely flown by Capitol mob, has complex history
Updated Jan 07, 2021;
Posted Jan 07, 2021
Crowds of people gather as President Donald Trump speaks to supporters from The Ellipse near the White House on January 6, 2021. (Photo by MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images)AFP via Getty Images
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Associate Professor of Graphic Design, Iowa State University
Flown by many protesters at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, the Gadsden flag has a design that is simple and graphic: a coiled rattlesnake on a yellow field with the text “Don’t Tread On Me.” But that simple design hides some important complexities, both historically and today, as it appears in rallies demanding President Donald Trump be allowed to remain in office.