From the American Legion:

"Records indicate that fringe was first used on the flag as early as 1835. It was not until 1895 that it was officially added to the national flag for all regiments of the Army. For civilian use, fringe is not required as an integral part of the flag, nor can its use be said to constitute an unauthorized addition to the design prescribed by statute. It is considered that fringe is used as an honorable enrichment only. (Military tradition)

The courts have deemed without merit and frivolous, lawsuits that contend that the gold fringe adorning the flag conferred Admiralty/Maritime jurisdiction."

IDK it seemed like during the Trump administration there were gold trimmed flag and there were non-gold trimmed flags and there didn't seem to be any rhyme or reason to it.

I read several articles on it. Something about Admiralty law.

It all seemed arcane and silly to me, but I'm not a lawyer. And I know our enemy absolutely adores their symbols. So I don't doubt there could be something to it.

It doesn’t mean anything

I'm not really sure that is notable just because there were multiple instances throughout Trump's Administration where an appearance without gold fringe was preceded or followed by an appearance with gold fringe on the flags. If anything, perhaps it has to do with their actual, physical location at that given time. Maritime law vs. Constitutional law? Now that I've typed it out, maybe it is notable?

What are your thoughts?