FLASHBACK: Boston raised Somali flag over City Hall to symbolize 'conquering colonialism'

In July, Boston officials raised the Somali flag at City Hall Plaza in a ceremony that organizers described as symbolizing “conquering colonialism.” At the time, Democratic Mayor Michelle Wu celebrated the event and said the city declared July 1, 2025, as Somali Independence Day in Boston. “Today, we proudly raised the Somali Flag on City Hall Plaza and declared July 1, 2025 as Somali Independence Day in the City of Boston,” Wu said. She added, “Boston is safer, smarter, and stronger because of our Somali neighbors.”

Last week, the Winooski School District in Vermont said it raised the Somali flag for a week “in honor of our Somali youth and families in Winooski and Vermont,” and planned a gathering the following week “to celebrate together and to learn more about our civil rights.” Photos of the display spread widely on social media over the weekend, drawing criticism and prompting the district to explain its flag protocol.

On Monday, the district said the US flag had not been moved and remained in the top position. It said the district has three masts: the US flag is on the highest mast, the Vermont state flag is on the second, and the Somali flag was placed on the third for the week. Vermont Republican Party chairman Paul Dame criticized the decision in comments to Fox News, saying, “I just don't understand why our K through 12 schools think this is the most important thing.” He called the flag display “intentionally provocative” and argued it could create division among students, saying schools should prioritize academics.

The controversy also spread into a broader national political debate, with critics pointing to ongoing federal investigations into alleged fraud schemes involving members of Minnesota’s Somali community, including COVID-19 relief fraud and public housing-related cases. Authorities are also reviewing claims that some funds were routed to Al-Shabaab. Gov. Tim Walz has faced criticism from state employees who say his administration ignored warnings.

President Donald Trump has commented repeatedly over the past couple of weeks, including writing on Truth Social, “Minnesota, under Governor Walz, is a hub of fraudulent money laundering activity,” and saying he was terminating Temporary Protected Status for Somalis in the state.