Five Flags Center 'Solidarity' mural covered ahead of Trump's Sunday visit

The 'Solidarity' mural on the eastern facade of the Five Flags Center was covered Saturday ahead of President Donald Trump's visit on Sunday, KCRG reported. The mural, painted in 2020, depicts 10 raised fists of a variety of colors with the word 'solidarity' spelled out in letters and symbols on the wrists. Scott Hallgren, general manager of Oak View Group, which operates Five Flags Center, said the decision to cover the mural was made by the White House Advance Team, whose goal was exterior branding and putting up a U.S. flag. Hallgren said Five Flags Center, Oak View Group and the City of Dubuque did not authorize anything hung on the building's exterior. 'We value and respect what this mural means to our community and to the citizens of Dubuque,' Hallgren said. When the mural was commissioned, Dubuque officials said the image represents all people in Dubuque and the city's goal to be an inclusive and equitable community. Trump is scheduled to speak at the Five Flags Center on Sunday, Nov. 1, with remarks set for 2 p.m.