Columbus, Ohio, the state capital, faced criticism after a city department posted that City Hall would raise the Somali flag on Somali Independence Day.
Ohio hosts one of the nation’s largest Somali populations, with the central Ohio area ranking second only to the Minneapolis‑St. Paul region.
The Columbus Recreation and Parks Department shared a message celebrating Somali Independence Day and announced the planned flag‑raising, then later removed the post amid public outcry.
A former Department of Homeland Security assistant secretary for public affairs publicly questioned the decision, asking, “What on earth are you doing?” and emphasizing the city’s American identity.
A senior White House policy official also criticized the plan, stating, “Columbus raising the flag of Somalia for America 250,” suggesting it conflicted with national values.
An attorney and political commentator argued, “City Hall is not a foreign embassy,” expressing disappointment over what was described as anti‑American sentiment.
In response, a city spokesperson said the social‑media message was inaccurate, that no flag‑raising had been scheduled, and that the post had been deleted.
The spokesperson added that the city respects the aspirations of peoples worldwide to live in freedom while affirming that official actions will reflect American symbols.
