Camping World CEO Marcus Lemonis is standing his ground in a heated battle with Greenville, North Carolina, over a massive American flag at one of his stores. The city says the flag breaks size rules, but Lemonis calls it a symbol of freedom. The clash is sparking debates about patriotism and government overreach.
Lemonis put up a 3,200-square-foot flag on a 130-foot pole, way bigger than Greenville’s 216-square-foot limit. He’s refused to take it down despite daily fines. “The flag will not come down,” he said. Lemonis claims the flag honors America for giving him opportunities as an immigrant adopted from Lebanon.
Greenville officials say this isn’t about patriotism—it’s about following rules. They fined Camping World $250 daily and sued to force compliance. The city’s code limits flags to 70-foot poles, but Lemonis argues the flag isn’t hurting anyone. “I’m not compromising what I believe in,” he stated.
Some locals support Lemonis. “This is America—free speech,” one resident said. Others think the city is wasting money. “I’d rather have more police or better roads,” a business owner argued. Critics accuse Camping World of using the flag as a publicity stunt to sell more RVs.
The Planning and Zoning Commission voted against changing the rules for Lemonis, calling his actions disrespectful to local laws. But the City Council had earlier backed a compromise, showing divided opinions even among leaders. Lemonis vowed to fight all the way to jail if needed.
The CEO has installed over 220 giant flags nationwide, calling it his “love letter” to America. He claims the flags unite communities, but cities like Greenville say they create safety risks and ignore zoning laws. Lemonis is now hiring First Amendment lawyers to defend his stance.
While Greenville insists this is about code violations, many conservatives see it as an attack on patriotic expression. “They’re turning the city into a villain,” one supporter said. Lemonis’s defiance has turned the flag into a rallying point for those who believe government should honor, not punish, American pride.
The case could set a precedent for other cities fighting Camping World’s flags. Lemonis says he won’t back down, framing the battle as a fight for core American values. As fines pile up, the question remains: Should local rules trump national symbols, or is this overregulation stifling freedom?
