Marcus Lemonis, CEO of Camping World, has shut down a North Carolina store rather than comply with city demands to take down a massive American flag that officials claim violates local ordinances.
At a Glance
- Camping World closed one of its Greenville, NC locations amid a legal battle over giant American flags that exceed city size limits
- CEO Marcus Lemonis has vowed the flag “is not coming down” even if faced with lawsuits or jail time
- The controversial flag measures 3,200 square feet on a 130-foot pole, far exceeding the city’s 70-foot height limit
- Similar flag disputes involving Camping World are ongoing in other locations, including Sevierville, Tennessee
- Lemonis, a Lebanese immigrant, stands firm on his patriotic display while receiving support from evangelist Franklin Graham
Businessman Chooses Flag Over Submission
In a refreshing display of patriotism rarely seen from corporate America these days, Camping World CEO Marcus Lemonis has made his position crystal clear: his American flag stays up, even if it costs him his business. Lemonis recently closed one of his two Camping World locations in Greenville, North Carolina, consolidating operations rather than capitulating to city demands to remove the oversized Stars and Stripes flying proudly above his property. The city claims the massive 3,200 square foot flag on its 130-foot pole violates local ordinances, which limit flagpoles to 70 feet.
Camping World CEO Marcus Lemonis is being sued by the city council of Greenville, NC, because they say that the American flag he flies at his store is too big.
He responded, “The flag is never coming down.”
Lemonis is a true American patriot. pic.twitter.com/B9mAs42yf6
— Paul A. Szypula 🇺🇸 (@Bubblebathgirl) March 31, 2025
“Not when they sue, not when I lose, not if they take me to jail, the flag is not coming down,” declared Lemonis, demonstrating the kind of backbone that’s becoming increasingly rare in today’s business world.
City Officials Target Patriotic Display
The Greenville City Council, apparently having solved all other pressing issues facing their community, voted to hire legal counsel specifically to sue Lemonis and Camping World over this grave threat to civilization – a flag that’s just too darn big for their liking. The city has already begun levying fines against the company, demonstrating once again how government bureaucrats excel at punishing businesses for trivial infractions while real problems go unsolved. City spokesperson Brock Letchworth insists, “This has never been about removing an American flag or the type of flag. It is about bringing the flag into compliance with City Code.”
Camping World CEO Marcus Lemonis said he closed one of his locations in North Carolina rather than take down a giant American flag. https://t.co/BstgMkDKXs
— ABC7 Sarasota (@mysuncoast) April 23, 2025
Translation: it’s not about the flag, it’s about control and making sure everyone knows who’s really in charge. Lemonis, for his part, isn’t buying it. “We think the ordinance is wrong,” he stated plainly. “They (the council) should probably do a little research on the statutes in the state of North Carolina.”
A Pattern of Bureaucratic Overreach
This isn’t an isolated incident. Camping World is facing similar legal battles in Sevierville, Tennessee, where local officials have restricted flagpoles to a mere 44 feet, citing vague “safety and aesthetic reasons.” The pattern is clear – local governments across the country seem increasingly determined to regulate every aspect of American life, including how we display our nation’s most sacred symbol. And in each case, Lemonis has stood firm in defense of his right to fly the flag proudly.
“These American flags are HUGE—and I love it! The bigger, the better! Shame on the city governments that are trying to sue Camping World and get CEO Marcus Lemonis to take down the American flags he has flying over his businesses,” wrote Rev. Franklin Graham in support of Lemonis’ patriotic stand.
Immigrant CEO Defends American Symbol
Perhaps the most compelling aspect of this story is Lemonis’ personal background. As an immigrant from Lebanon, he has a profound appreciation for American freedom that many native-born citizens take for granted. His passionate defense of the flag stems from genuine gratitude for the opportunities this country has provided him. In a video shared by Lemonis, veterans and employees praise the flag and the company’s commitment to patriotism, highlighting the disconnect between bureaucratic regulations and the values cherished by ordinary Americans.
“Allow the flag to fly. Allow people to enjoy it. Allow kids in this country to understand what an amazing place they live in,” urged Lemonis, articulating a sentiment that resonates with millions of Americans who are tired of seeing patriotic displays restricted by overzealous officials with clipboards and rulebooks.
The city at one point proposed that Lemonis donate $50,000 to a local children’s hospital in exchange for ordinance changes, which he agreed to do – but not as a quid pro quo arrangement. The fact that local officials would even suggest such a deal raises serious questions about their true motivations in this dispute. For now, Lemonis continues his principled stand, demonstrating that some things – like respect for our flag – shouldn’t be compromised, regardless of the cost.
