On Wednesday, both current and former Republican officials criticized the Parks and Recreation Department of Columbus, Ohio, following a post on its X account that wished a happy Somali Independence Day. The message was later removed after a spokesperson informed Breitbart News that the Somali flag was inaccurately represented at City Hall.
The Columbus Parks & Rec
The post read in full:
“Happy Somalia Independence Day! City Hall will raise the Somali flag as it celebrates the 1960 incorporation of the Somaliland Trust Territory and Somaliland State into the Republic of Somalia.”
Stephen Miller, White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Homeland Security Adviser, commented, “Columbus, Ohio raises Somali flag for America’s 250.”
Senator Bernie Moreno (R-OH) remarked, “There is only one flag that should be flown on American government buildings and grounds. This action by Columbus is entirely disgraceful and distracts from the grand celebration of this nation’s 250th anniversary on Saturday.”
Tricia McLaughlin, a former assistant secretary for public affairs at the Department of Homeland Security, expressed her dismay: “What the hell are you doing @MayorGinther? This is Ohio. This is America.”
She later shared a screenshot of the now-deleted post by Columbus Parks & Rec, stating, “The capital of Ohio flies a foreign flag. Posted by @ColsRecParks and has now been deleted.”
Senator Jim Banks (R-IN) stated, “This is unreasonable. Flags of other countries should not be flown on U.S. government buildings, especially Somalia. Especially three days after my 250th birthday. America must always come first.”
Breitbart News reached out to Kelly Francis, the senior manager of strategic communications, for clarification regarding the removal of the post celebrating Somali independence.
Media Relations Manager Jennifer Lockley replied:
“A social media post made by the city government falsely stated that City Hall would be hoisting the Somali flag to commemorate Somalia’s Independence Day. While the City recognizes and respects the desire of people around the world to live freely, this post was removed because it was inaccurate.”
Backlash against Columbus lingered even after June 28, when Breitbart News reported that Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey celebrated Somali Independence Day, claiming the city’s Somali immigrants are “family” and that the city “stands its ground.” The report also mentioned that over 20 facilities in Minneapolis were raided in April amid investigations into alleged fraud connected to Somali-owned businesses.
Recently, Breitbart News conveyed comments from Rep. Tom Emmer (R-Minnesota), who, in light of reports of extensive fraud within Minnesota’s Somali community, suggested that Somali immigrants not assimilating should “completely return to their place of origin,” while also acknowledging that “not all Somalis encountered in Minnesota were criminals.”
