A heated dispute has erupted between Small Business Administrator Kelly Loeffler and Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA) over a Revolutionary War-era flag flown outside the Small Business Administration (SBA) headquarters earlier this month. The controversy began after the agency raised the “Appeal to Heaven” banner alongside a U.S. flag on June 11 to commemorate Flag Day.
The white flag, bearing a green pine tree, was originally used during the American Revolution and was first adopted by General George Washington. Though rooted in early U.S. history, the flag has in recent years been adopted by various far-right groups, prompting debate over its modern implications.
Markey strongly objected to the display in a letter dated June 25, calling it “inappropriate at a federal government institution” and labeling the flag “a symbol tied to extremism.” He argued that the SBA, as a federal agency, should remain free from symbols that “are increasingly viewed as partisan or extremist, or that promote hateful rhetoric.”
“Our federal institutions must remain above ideological influence,” Markey wrote, underscoring the need for neutrality in public-facing government actions. Loeffler, appointed by President Donald Trump to lead the SBA, fired back on Tuesday, sharply criticizing what she saw as a political overreach.
According to Fox News Digital, she defended the flag’s Revolutionary War origins, calling it a proud symbol of American history and declaring it “AMERICAN MADE!” In her response, Loeffler questioned Markey’s own record on patriotic symbolism.
“Your 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, was “disrespectful.” She also accused Markey of hypocrisy for flying the Massachusetts state flag, which has faced criticism from Native American groups who view it as a symbol of “slaughter” and “genocide.”
Loeffler further took issue with his use of the LGBTQ pride flag, according to the report. “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,” Loeffler stated.
“Likewise, I do not agree with your characterization of the Appeal to Heaven flag, which has a rich history as an appeal to God to protect our emerging nation’s liberty, dating back to its first usage by General George Washington in the Revolutionary War.” The exchange highlights the growing divide over historical symbols and their evolving place in modern political discourse.