America turns 250 this year. Two hundred and fifty years since a group of determined troublemakers looked at the most powerful empire on Earth and said, “No thanks. We’ll do it ourselves.” So naturally, some American city halls decided this was the perfect moment to spotlight Somalia instead.

The pride flags barely made it back into storage before some city governments found another flag to raise.

Only in modern America could America’s 250th birthday become a celebration of another country.

The United States of America is about to turn 250 and Columbus, Ohio has decided to raise the flag of Somalia. pic.twitter.com/JcBgtbC8ur

— Brandon Gill (@realBrandonGill) July 1, 2026

Now, the Columbus Parks and Recreation account has deleted the post and insists it was all a mistake. Sure it was. That’s one awfully detailed “mistake” to draft, approve, publish, and leave up until people started noticing. If you buy that explanation, I have a bridge I’d love to sell you.

The post from the Recreation and Parks Department was deleted shortly after Fox News Digital reached out for comment.

After publication, a city spokesperson told Fox News Digital, “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.” – Fox News

The social media post may have been deleted, but did they still raise Somalia’s flag? Unless you live in Columbus, I guess we’ll never know for sure.

A Large Population In Columbus

If you’re wondering why Columbus keeps finding itself in stories like this, there’s a reason.

Columbus didn’t become home to one of America’s largest Somali communities by accident. It became a major refugee resettlement hub in the 1990s, and decades of continued migration and family reunification turned it into one of the largest Somali communities in the country.

That helps explain the size of the community. It doesn’t explain why City Hall felt the need to celebrate another nation’s Independence Day.

There used to be an expectation that if you came to America, you became an American. That didn’t mean forgetting where you came from. It meant putting America first because this was your new home.

At some point, we decided that wasn’t necessary anymore. Now you are told people don’t have to assimilate. They can keep one foot in the old country forever, and apparently our own governments are expected to help them do it.

If you think I’m making too much of this, consider what Ohio State Rep. Ismail Mohamed has publicly said about his priorities. This X post from last year:

Rep. Ismail Mohamed (D-OH): “Our aim is a united front to lobby for Somalia” pic.twitter.com/N6GwOAK343

— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) August 15, 2025

Look, if Somali-Americans want to celebrate Somalia’s Independence Day with family, friends, food, music, and a parade, that’s their business. That’s their right. But why is City Hall involved?

And here’s the question nobody seems willing to ask. If Somalia is still the country that inspires your greatest patriotism, why did you leave it?

America took in Somali refugees because we were told Somalia was too dangerous for them to return home. The idea was to help them become Americans, not to turn American government into Somalia’s cheering section.

This Is Larger Than Columbus

Columbus said its social media post was a mistake that they are not raising Somalia’s flag. But other cities are at full staff. This isn’t a one-time incident. It’s a growing trend.

Boston is fully on board. Actually, it’s the third annual raising of the Somali flag. They even have a proud promo for it.

Buffalo, New York, has done the same, with city officials standing alongside members of the local Somali community.

Minneapolis prominently features the Somali flag during its annual Somali Independence Day and Somali Week celebrations. Minnesota is still dealing with a massive fraud scandal involving some organizations tied to the Somali community, but never mind that. Apparently the priority is raising flags and holding ceremonies.

This is what happens when identity politics and socialism become the guiding philosophy of local government. Americans stop being the priority, and America stops being the point.

That’s what makes this more than a Columbus story. This isn’t an isolated incident or a one-time lapse in judgment. It’s becoming normal for American city governments to officially celebrate another nation’s independence, and hardly anyone in charge seems willing to ask why City Hall is involved in the first place.

Community groups can celebrate whatever they want. That’s America. But City Hall isn’t a neighborhood association, a cultural club, or a foreign embassy. It represents an American city in the United States of America. During America’s 250th year, maybe government buildings could spend a little more time celebrating the nation whose flag already flies outside.

Feature Image: AI-generated illustration