“I condemn it in the strongest terms”: MAGA congressman responds after swastika flag seen in office

Rep. Dave Taylor responded to reports that a flag bearing a swastika was spotted in his office on Wednesday, calling it “vile and deeply inappropriate.”

“I am aware of an image that appears to depict a vile and deeply inappropriate symbol near an employee in my office,” the Ohio Republican shared in a statement. “The content of that image does not reflect the values or standards of this office, my staff, or myself, and I condemn it in the strongest terms.”

An American flag with its red stripes twisted into a swastika was reportedly displayed in the office during a Zoom call with one of Taylor’s staffers. A screenshot of a video call with the staffer was shared by Ohio politics blog, The Rooster.

A friend in DC had a Zoom call with Congressman Dave Taylor’s office today…

Taylor’s legislative correspondent, Angelo Elia, had what can only be described as an American swastika flag prominently displayed in his background. pic.twitter.com/zFn3QowS0c

— The Rooster (@rooster_ohio) October 15, 2025

Taylor said he requested an investigation of the flag by the Capitol Police, calling the flag “vandalism.”

“No further comment will be provided until [the investigation has been completed,” he wrote.

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Reports of a swastika flag in Taylor’s office come just one day after a bombshell Politico report on chats between members of the Young Republican National Federation. That report found thousands of messages that contained racial slurs and threats of violence. The national Young Republicans board released a statement calling the messages “vile and inexcusable.”

“Such behavior is disgraceful, unbecoming of any Republican, and stands in direct opposition to the values our movement represents. Those involved must immediately resign from all positions within their state and local Young Republican organizations,” the organization shared on social media. “We must hold ourselves to the highest standards of integrity, respect, and professionalism.”