Recently, a video has resurfaced showing a Democrat senator, Amy Klobuchar from Minnesota, waving an American flag upside down during a 2017 rally aimed at the Somali community. The video, which gained traction on social media, was recorded at a celebration concerning a presidential election in Somalia.
In her speech, Klobuchar discusses plans to lift restrictions on cash remittances to Somalia, employing a traditional Somali expression to connect with the audience. She emphasizes, “As you know, we are home to the largest Somali population in the United States, and we are so proud of that fact in Minnesota!” This declaration prompted loud cheers from the crowd.
During her address, she was handed an upside-down U.S. flag, which she waved, saying, “Oh, thank you. Very good!” It’s worth noting that, while she may not have intended any disrespect, the video also captures several attendees holding the American flag upside down, alongside others displaying it correctly and waving the Somali flag.
Notably, an upside-down U.S. flag can be seen in the background of a photo Klobuchar shared online from the event. She further stated, “Congressman [Keith] Ellison and Senator [Al] Franklin and I worked so hard to reduce redundant regulations on remittances to Somalia, lessening the burden for banks! We have more to do, but we will continue to fight for you!”
A short clip focusing on the controversial moments was edited together and circulated online, but the full video can be viewed on the YouTube channel for Somali TV of Minnesota for additional context. As of the article’s publication, the Klobuchar campaign had not responded to a request for comment.
In 2025, a report surfaced detailing how some remittances sent to Somalia have been accused of funding terrorist organizations, particularly Al-Shabaab. This incident isn’t isolated; there have been previous instances in Minnesota where the American flag has been treated with apparent disrespect. For instance, years later, community leaders reportedly raised an American flag upside down by mistake during a Somali Independence Day event in St. Paul, Minnesota. Authorities were notified, and an officer on site corrected the flag without issue, with organizers claiming it was unintentional.
