[BUG] Any CLAUDE.md file (even empty) hides the Claude Code header

Preflight Checklist

• [x] I have searched existing issues and this hasn't been reported yet
• [x] This is a single bug report (please file separate reports for different bugs)
• [x] I am using the latest version of Claude Code

What's Wrong?

Any CLAUDE.md file present in the working directory (or a parent dir) suppresses the Claude Code welcome header/banner shown at session start. Happens even when the CLAUDE.md is completely empty (0 bytes). Removing the file restores the header.

What Should Happen?

The header/banner should render at startup regardless of whether a CLAUDE.md exists or what it contains.

Error Messages/Logs

Steps to Reproduce

1. mkdir /tmp/cc-header-test && cd /tmp/cc-header-test
2. Run claude — header appears.
3. Exit. Create an empty CLAUDE.md: touch CLAUDE.md
4. Run claude again — header is gone.
5. Delete it: rm CLAUDE.md, run claude — header returns.

Claude Model

Not sure / Multiple models

Is this a regression?

I don't know

Last Working Version

_No response_

Claude Code Version

2.1.193 (Claude Code)

Platform

Anthropic API

Operating System

macOS

Terminal/Shell

iTerm2

Additional Information

Reproduces with empty AND non-empty CLAUDE.md. File discovered in cwd or any
parent triggers it.

Not terminal-specific — reproduced in:

• tmux (TERM=tmux-256color)
• Terminal.app (no tmux)
• iTerm2 (no tmux)

Environment: macOS 26.5.1, arm64.