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EXCLUSIVE: Small Business Administration Administrator Kelly Loeffler has responded firmly to Democratic Senator Ed Markey from Massachusetts. Markey accused the agency of promoting a flag he describes as a “Christian nationalist, White supremacist” symbol.
Earlier this month, the SBA raised a large American flag along with a smaller “Appeal to Heaven” flag at its headquarters in Washington, D.C., in honor of Flag Day. This white flag, adorned with a green pine tree, traces its origins to the Revolutionary War. The phrase, “An appeal to Heaven,” encapsulates the colonists’ hopes for divine intervention against British tyranny.
Loeffler expressed pride in the flag display, tweeting, “Today at SBA’s Flag Day Ceremony, we proudly raised a new AMERICAN MADE flag over our headquarters in Washington. It is a privilege to serve under its Stars and Stripes on behalf of the 34 million small businesses who represent the best of America.”
Despite its historical significance, some media outlets labeled the flag controversial, noting its display during the events of January 6 and its association with certain extremist groups. Liberals have previously tried to associate Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito with the flag after it appeared near his vacation home.
Senator Markey publicly criticized Loeffler’s choice to fly the flag, branding it “inappropriate in a federal government institution.”
In a recent open letter dated June 25, Markey claimed, “Our federal institutions must remain above ideological influence, especially when those ideologies undermine democracy and promote division. The SBA plays a critical role in supporting our nation’s diverse collection of small businesses and fostering inclusive economic growth. It should not be associated with symbols that are increasingly viewed as partisan or extremist, or that promote hateful rhetoric.”
Loeffler did not back down. She confronted the senator about his own previous flag disputes and defended the historical context of the flag in her response. “While I appreciate your letter, I am surprised at your passion over this specific matter given your typically nonchalant observation of Flag Day, which includes a history of leaving your own American Flag lying outside, on the ground, in violation of the U.S. Flag Code,” she wrote.
Furthermore, Loeffler reassured Markey that the SBA would “never consider disrespecting” the country or its military personnel. She emphasized that the meanings of flags are subjective and rooted in history, stating, “[W]hich you assuredly understand, given your own association with a flag that has been labeled by some individuals as a ‘racist’ emblem,” referencing the Massachusetts State Flag, which has drawn criticism as a symbol of oppression by some Native Americans.
Loeffler continued to criticize Markey’s handling of the flag situation, suggesting that he should reconsider the symbols he supports. “Clearly, you do not agree with these actions or views, or else I strongly doubt you would continue to showcase the state flag at your offices,” her letter asserted.
Moreover, Loeffler mocked the senator for flying the pro-LGBTQ “Progress Pride” flag outside his office. She branded it a “divisive” emblem and pointed out that it honors select groups, stating, “This is contrary to our shared responsibility to serve every American. However, I affirm your right to fly it.”
In a final note of her correspondence, Loeffler urged Markey to center his efforts on issues directly affecting small businesses, endorsing tax cuts proposed in President Donald Trump’s major legislation. The bill, totaling $3.3 trillion, marked a significant legislative achievement in the Senate.
Markey faced similar backlash in June 2020 when he was criticized for a photo that depicted the American flag resting on his porch floor. His campaign later clarified that the flag was temporarily placed there while the flagpole underwent repairs due to wind damage.
While the debate over the flag continues, the SBA’s commitment to representing all small businesses remains unchanged. Loeffler’s staunch defense of the flag illustrates the broader cultural battles shaping contemporary political discourse.
The conversation surrounding symbols and their meanings invites deeper reflection on national identity and historical narratives.
As this issue unfolds, the outcomes may have far-reaching implications for how federal agencies and elected officials navigate symbols of patriotism and their interpretations within public spaces.
Senator Markey’s office has not yet responded to requests for further comments regarding this ongoing controversy.
