Camping World Battles Local Government Over Flag Display

People sitting around a campfire at night

The battle between patriotism and local regulations took center stage as Camping World CEO Marcus Lemonis closed a North Carolina store rather than comply with city laws on flag size.

Quick Takes

Camping World closed a Greenville, North Carolina location over a large flag controversy.
CEO Marcus Lemonis refuses to remove the flags despite fines.
Lemonis argues local ordinances contradict state laws.
The Greenville City Council voted to sue Lemonis and Camping World.

Camping World Faces Controversy Over Large Flags

Camping World, known for catering to RV enthusiasts, shuttered its Greenville, North Carolina store due to a standoff over large American flags. City ordinances limit flagpoles to 70 feet, but the company’s flagpole stands at a staggering 130 feet. CEO Marcus Lemonis insists he will not back down. “Not when they sue, not when I lose, not if they take me to jail, the flag is not coming down,” Lemonis declared.

Lemonis, an immigrant, emphasizes his gratitude for opportunities in America through this display of patriotism. However, city authorities have taken issue, citing safety and aesthetic concerns. Legal actions extend beyond North Carolina, with similar disputes in states like Tennessee, reflecting a nationwide debate on individual patriotic expressions clashing with local rules.

Legal and Political Implications

Greenville City Council has elected to hire legal counsel to sue Lemonis and Camping World, aiming to enforce compliance with the city code. Lemonis has proposed a donation of $50,000 to Maynard Children’s Hospital to resolve the issue, albeit not as a quid pro quo. “We think the ordinance is wrong,” Lemonis argued, challenging the city’s stance with his interpretation of state laws.

Public figures like Evangelist Franklin Graham have weighed in, advocating for flag exemptions in city regulations. Graham’s support, alongside widespread media attention and public support, underscores the cultural clash between regulatory compliance and expressions of national pride.

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

A Broader Patriotism vs. Regulation Dialogue

This dispute represents a recurring theme across America, where expressions of patriotism frequently meet regulatory resistance. Lemonis’s stance showcases the broader sentiment among countless American citizens who believe that such displays of the national flag should transcend bureaucratic limitations. “Allow the flag to fly. Allow people to enjoy it,” Lemonis said, emphasizing the symbolic presence of such emblems in promoting national pride.

Lemonis remains committed to retaining these patriotic symbols despite mounting opposition and potential financial losses. His determination underlines a growing resistance against perceived overreach by municipal governance on matters close to the national ethos.