DUBUQUE, Iowa (KCRG) – UPDATE: The City of Dubuque said officials removed the tarp covering the ‘Solidarity’ mural. In a statement, the city of Dubuque told Oak View Group to remove the tarp, and it did. See the full statement: The City of Dubuque learned this afternoon that a tarp was hanging over the side of the Five Flags Center. The City was not asked if the exterior of the facility could be modified and did not authorize the tarp. Five Flags Center is owned by the city of Dubuque and operated by a private management company, Oak View Group. Oak View Group manages all Five Flags Center facility operations and all facility rentals. The facility rental agreement for the Sunday, Nov. 1 event does not include any authority to modify the exterior of the facility. The city ordered Oak View Group to remove the tarp and they have already removed it. PREVIOUS STORY: The ‘Solidarity’ mural on the east facade of Five Flags Center has been covered ahead of President Donald Trump’s visit on Sunday. The mural was painted in 2020 and shows 10 raised fists of various colors, with the word “solidarity” written in letters and symbols on the wrists. Scott Hallgren, CEO of Oak View Group, operator of Five Flags Center, said the decision to cover the mural was made by the Office of Presidential Advancement. This team organizes the president’s official visits. Hallgren told TV9 that the White House’s goal in covering the mural was to give it external branding and place an American flag. Hallgren said Five Flags Center, Oak View Group and the city of Dubuque did not authorize hanging anything on the exterior of the building. In a statement, he said, “We value and respect what this mural means to our community and to the citizens of Dubuque.” In a statement, the city of Dubuque told Oak View Group to remove the tarp. When it was commissioned, Dubuque officials said the image represents all people in Dubuque and clarified the city’s goal of being an inclusive and equitable community. Copyright 2026 KCRG. All rights reserved.
