(DailyAnswer.org) – Camping World CEO Marcus Lemonis closes North Carolina store rather than lower the American flag flying over it, igniting a nationwide debate over patriotism versus local ordinances.
At a Glance
- Camping World closed its Greenville, North Carolina location after refusing to remove an oversized American flag that violates city code
- CEO Marcus Lemonis vowed the flag would not come down “not when they sue, not when I lose, not if they take me to jail”
- The controversial flag is 3,200 square feet on a 130-foot pole, significantly exceeding local regulations that limit flagpoles to 70 feet
- The Greenville City Council voted to hire legal counsel to sue Lemonis and Camping World over the ordinance violation
- Evangelical leader Franklin Graham and others have supported Lemonis, calling for exceptions to city codes for the American flag
Business Owner Chooses Flag Over Store Location
Camping World CEO Marcus Lemonis has shuttered one of his company’s two Greenville, North Carolina, locations amid an escalating dispute with local officials over an oversized American flag. The controversy centers on a massive 3,200-square-foot flag flying from a 130-foot flagpole that significantly exceeds the city’s 70-foot height limit for such structures. Rather than comply with demands to reduce the flag’s size, Lemonis chose to consolidate operations at his other Greenville location.
“Not when they sue, not when I lose, not if they take me to jail, the flag is not coming down,” said Lemonis.
City officials maintain their position is not anti-patriotic but about code compliance. “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,” stated spokesman Brock Letchworth.
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
Legal Battle and Community Response
The Greenville City Council has voted to hire legal counsel to sue Lemonis and Camping World over the ordinance violation. The city has already issued fines for the violation, though the exact amount has not been disclosed. Lemonis argues the city ordinance itself is flawed, claiming it violates North Carolina state laws, though he has not specified which statutes he believes are being contravened.
“We think the ordinance is wrong,” Lemonis declared. “They (the council) should probably do a little research on the statutes in the state of North Carolina.”
The dispute has drawn attention from national figures, including Evangelical leader Franklin Graham, who has thrown his support behind Lemonis. “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,” Graham wrote.
A Pattern of Patriotic Stands
This is not an isolated incident for Camping World. The company is engaged in a similar legal battle in Sevierville, Tennessee, where city officials have filed a lawsuit over another oversized flag display. There, the city limits flagpoles to 44 feet for safety and aesthetic reasons, while Camping World’s pole stands at 120 feet. The recurring pattern suggests Lemonis’ commitment to these displays transcends simple business decisions.
“Allow the flag to fly. Allow people to enjoy it. Allow kids in this country to understand what an amazing place they live in,” Lemonis urged.
For Lemonis, who immigrated to the United States from Beirut, Lebanon, the flag represents more than patriotic decoration—it symbolizes his personal American journey. In videos shared on social media, Lemonis has featured veterans and employees praising both the flag and the company’s commitment to patriotism. The CEO had offered to donate $50,000 to Maynard Children’s Hospital in exchange for ordinance changes but insisted the donation would not be a quid pro quo arrangement.
Business Impact and Ongoing Dispute
The closure of the Greenville location has consolidated Camping World’s operations in the area but demonstrates Lemonis’ willingness to take a financial hit to maintain what he sees as a principled stand. Employees from the closed location have reportedly been offered positions at the remaining Greenville store. Despite the business disruption, Lemonis shows no signs of backing down from his position.
The dispute highlights tensions between local governance, business interests, and expressions of patriotism that resonate with many Americans. As cities seek to enforce aesthetic and safety standards through ordinances, business owners like Lemonis challenge these regulations when they perceive them as limiting patriotic expression. The case continues to develop, with no resolution in sight for either the Greenville or Sevierville disputes.
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