The city of Columbus, Ohio—the state’s capital and largest city—deleted a social media post announcing it would fly the flag of Somalia ahead of America’s 250th anniversary. The Recreation and Parks Department originally shared the message, which stated: “As we celebrate the unification of the Trust Territory of Somaliland and the State of Somaliland into the Somali Republic in 1960, City Hall will be raising the flag of Somalia.”

The post was promptly removed after conservative voices amplified concerns about its timing near American Independence Day. White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller noted on social media: “Columbus, Ohio raising the flag of Somalia for America 250.” Journalist Mark Hemingway condemned the action, writing: “No American government building should ever be raising another country’s flag.” Attorney Mehek Cooke added: “City Hall is not a foreign embassy. As an Ohioan, I am repulsed by the anti-Americanism here.”

State Senator Bernie Moreno (R-OH) called the decision a “total disgrace,” stating it “takes away from the epic celebration on Saturday of this country’s 250 year celebration.” The city deleted the post moments after a reporter asked Parks and Rec and City Hall about it, with neither department immediately responding.

Columbus has previously celebrated Juneteenth and Pride Month but never acknowledged America’s 250th anniversary. In June 2023, the council passed a resolution to fly Somalia’s flag, and in June 2025, it approved a resolution “To Recognize and Celebrate July 1st as Somali Independence Day.”

Columbus hosts the second-largest U.S. concentration of Somalis after Minnesota. Local Medicaid records revealed significant spending patterns involving Somali-run home-care agencies, with some residents reporting that government assistance became intertwined with Somali identity in ways they described as “racist” to non-Somali officials. Ohio’s Medicaid costs have doubled over the past decade, contributing to a state financial crisis.

A city spokesperson told Fox News Digital the post was “inaccurate,” stating: “A social media post created by a city department falsely stated that City Hall would raise the Somalian flag in recognition of Somali Independence Day. While the City recognizes and respects the aspirations of people around the world to live in freedom, this post was inaccurate and has been deleted.”