JD Vance cheered by MAGA for using Minnesota's 'old racist flag' at press conference
ICE vehicles sit in the background as federal immigration agents listen to U.S. Vice President JD Vance speak at Royalston Square in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S. January 22, 2026. Jim Watson/Pool via REUTERS

MAGA supporters spoke out in defense of Vice President JD Vance after he used Minnesota's old flag at a press conference despite criticisms that it is racist.

Writing on BlueSky, Ana Marie Cox noted that Vance's podium was "flanked by steroidal SUVs declaring 'Protect the Homeland' and the *old* Minnesota flag."

"Reclaiming the old racist flag has become a pathetic cause for the most loser dead-enders out there, so of course Vance plays along," Keith Harris observed.

Many MAGA fans — like Mike Lindell — have called Minnesota's new banner an "Islamic flag."

"At JD Vance's press conference, the TRADITIONAL Minnesota flag is being displayed rather than Tim Walz's new Somalian state flag," right-wing influencer Cam Higby wrote.

"Restore the flag! Minnesotans must reclaim Minnesota!" another influencer asserted.

Reclaiming the old racist flag has become a pathetic cause for the most loser dead-enders out there so of course Vance plays along.

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— Keith Harris (@usefulnoise.bsky.social) January 22, 2026 at 2:00 PM