Hijab-wearing 'trans kids' advocate Peggy Flanagan slammed for stating 'Ojibwe name,' claiming to be 'voice' of Minnesotans after overseeing massive public fraud

Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, the Democratic nominee for the US Senate, is facing criticism on social media after revealing her “Ojibwe name” on social media. The post comes as Flanagan faces scrutiny over her record as lieutenant governor, including her handling of fraud and transgender policies.

“My Ojibwe name is Gizhiiwewidamookwe, which means ‘Speaks in a Loud and Clear Voice Woman,’” Flanagan wrote on X on Tuesday. “I’m going to be Minnesota’s voice in the U.S. Senate — not Donald Trump’s.”

Flanagan is of Irish and Ojibwe descent and is a member of the White Earth Band. She earned a minor in American Indian Studies from the University of Minnesota in 2002.

Her post drew a wave of mocking responses from social media users. Many of the comments referenced broader criticism Flanagan has faced over allegations of widespread fraud involving Minnesota’s welfare programs. Last year, First Assistant US Attorney Joe Thompson revealed at least $9 billion had been defrauded from Medicaid services in Minnesota since 2018.

“How do you say ‘Enables Rampant Medicare Fraud Woman’ in Ojibwe?” one user wrote.

Another user said, “I don't care what your name means. You oversaw the theft of 9 billion dollars. Also, stay the hell away from any child.”

Flanagan has also faced criticism over a campaign appearance in which she wore a hijab while visiting a Somali market in Minnesota to appeal to Muslim voters. In the video, she described the community as “part of the fabric of the state of Minnesota.”

The lieutenant governor has also drawn criticism from conservatives over her support for transgender policies, including child sex change procedures. In 2023, she defended such practices, telling parents to believe kids when they “tell us who they are.”

Flanagan is currently in a heated battle with GOP nominee Michele Tafoya. According to a recent poll from Minnesota Star Tribune/KARE 11, Flanagan is leading by just four percentage points.