On 19 December 2016, a photograph purportedly showing a Russian flag on display at the Texas State Capitol was circulated on social media:

Many social media users shared the above-displayed photograph along with claims that it showed pro-Russian elements celebrating Donald Trump’s election and insinuated that Russia had helped installed him as the next President of the United States. In fact, this image actually shows a group of demonstrators who were protesting Trump’s election on the day Texas’ electors met to cast their ballots for him, taken by a Texas Tribune photographer who goes by the handle @BobPhoto on Twitter:

Aliyya Swaby, another reporter for the Texas Tribune, added some more context to these photographs when she shared an image of the protesters outside of the capitol building:

Joke contingent of pro-Russia supporters shows up to “protect our investment” and ensure electors vote Trump pic.twitter.com/xuod4x3tWk — Aliyya Swaby (@AliyyaSwaby) December 19, 2016

This display was not one celebrating Trump’s alleged friendly relationship with Russia; it was a tongue-in-cheek message delivered by a group of protesters.