Is it illegal to write on the American flag?

It is not illegal to write on the American flag in the United States; however, it is considered to be disrespectful and a violation of flag etiquette. The United States Flag Code (4 U.S.C. § 8) outlines the proper use and display of the American flag, but it does not explicitly prohibit writing on it. Despite not being illegal, defacing the flag in such a manner may offend or upset others, so it is generally discouraged.