Camping World CEO Marcus Lemonis is refusing to back down amid mounting legal challenges over the massive American flags flying over his company’s RV dealerships. Multiple municipalities have issued fines, filed lawsuits, and cited code violations, but Lemonis insists the flags will remain—a bold stand for patriotism and personal liberty.
Recent conflicts emerged in Greenville, North Carolina, and Sevierville, Tennessee, where officials have taken issue with the sheer size of the flags and the height of their flagpoles. Greenville authorities claim the 3,200-square-foot flag, flying from a 130-foot pole, violates city ordinances that limit flagpole height to nearly half that. Sevierville officials raised similar concerns, citing potential traffic distractions and impacts on the area’s scenic views.
Despite this, Lemonis told Fox & Friends that the flags—flown for over two decades—aren’t going anywhere. “This flag is not coming down,” he said, revealing that this is the third city to threaten jail time and fines over the displays. He called the threats an affront to the principles he holds dear as a proud American immigrant.
Born in Beirut, Lebanon, Lemonis immigrated to Miami, Florida, and rose to success through hard work and entrepreneurship. “It’s my love letter to tell everybody how grateful I am this country provided me an opportunity where it didn’t have to,” he said, defending the flags as symbols of freedom, opportunity, and the American dream.
This isn’t the first time Lemonis has faced municipal resistance. In 2019, he refused to remove a giant flag from a Gander RV location in Statesville, North Carolina. A similar standoff occurred at a Camping World location in Stockton, California, where local authorities cited safety concerns and permit issues.
City leaders in Greenville and Sevierville maintain their actions aren’t about the American flag itself, but rather about ensuring compliance with local codes. They argue that excessively tall structures may pose safety risks and disrupt visual harmony in the surrounding landscape.
Still, Lemonis remains resolute. He continues to fly the flags as a tribute to the nation that gave him a chance at success. His defiance resonates with Americans who see rising restrictions on patriotic expression as part of a broader cultural battle.
