A new legislative effort by Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-OH) aims to bar foreign flags from being displayed in the U.S. Capitol, a move sparked by the recent display of Ukrainian flags during President Donald Trump’s address. The bill would ensure only the American flag is permitted inside the halls of Congress.
Moreno, an immigrant from Colombia who built a successful business before entering politics, says allowing foreign banners in the Capitol disrespects the country’s core values. “We took an oath to serve Americans, not foreign governments,” Moreno said. “It’s time to start acting like it.”
I think it’s high time we start picking the pockets of all the members of government that got kickbacks from Ukraine, let’s roll the tape of them all waving their Ukrainian flags on the house floor. We could start there. And let’s be reminded that Thomas Massie got fined for… pic.twitter.com/2UpEpCBTGD
— schmoo (@schmooze1777) January 22, 2025
The bill, called the “Allegiance Act,” prohibits the use of taxpayer dollars to purchase foreign flags and restricts their display on Capitol grounds. Moreno introduced the legislation after witnessing members of Congress showcase Ukrainian flags instead of standing behind the U.S. flag.
The proposal comes as tensions rise between the U.S. and Ukraine following a contentious meeting between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Zelensky was removed from the White House after a heated exchange with Trump and Vice President JD Vance, leading to the suspension of U.S. military aid and intelligence-sharing with Ukraine.
Remember your representatives waving Ukrainian flags in Congress when Russia retaliates for US missile strikes that killed Russian kids on a beach in Crimea today. Joe Biden is provoking nuclear war with Russia. Are you ready to die for this demented fool? pic.twitter.com/5iLmOZZZWw
— Kim Dotcom (@KimDotcom) June 23, 2024
Before Trump’s address, Moreno and other Republican lawmakers handed out American flags to emphasize their opposition to the display of foreign symbols in the chamber. The move was widely seen as a rebuke to Democrats pushing for continued support for Ukraine.
Moreno, a staunch Trump ally, has consistently voted for the administration’s priorities in the Senate and has pledged to continue backing policies that put the U.S. first.
