Musk added an update, clarifying that while deportation could be part of the process, deportees could eventually return to the U.S. after spending time in the country represented by the flag they replaced. He stated, “I’m not saying they can’t come back, but they have to experience that country for some period of time before returning.”

The proposal sparked a range of responses. Some supporters agreed with the idea, with one user suggesting a similar program for politicians who wave foreign flags in Congress. Musk replied, “That was weird. At least wave the American flag too!” Another user expressed support for the concept, saying that experiencing life in another country could help individuals better understand and respect the freedoms in the U.S.

On the other side of the debate, many commenters criticized Musk’s proposal as being restrictive of free speech. One user pointed out that Musk is known for his support of free expression, questioning how the deportation idea fits with that principle.

The debate was further fueled by an incident at the University of North Carolina (UNC), where protesters attempted to remove the American flag from a campus building. Members of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity intervened, holding the flag up to prevent it from touching the ground. In the process, they were met with resistance, including thrown water bottles and rocks. Pi Kappa Phi member Guillermo Estrada shared, “We stood for an hour defending the flag so many fight to protect.”

As the conversation around flag protests continues, Musk’s proposal remains a point of contention, with many debating the balance between free speech and national symbols of unity.