Ranking Member Edward J. Markey has addressed a letter to U.S. Small Business Administrator Kelly Loeffler regarding the decision to display the "Appeal to Heaven" flag at the SBA headquarters during its Flag Day Ceremony on June 11, 2025. The flag, while historically significant as a Revolutionary War-era emblem, has been reappropriated by far-right movements and individuals involved in the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol.
Senator Markey expressed concerns about the flag's modern associations: “In recent years, extremist movements that reject the legitimacy of our democratic institutions have co-opted the Appeal to Heaven flag. These include supporters of Donald Trump’s ‘Stop the Steal’ campaign, which falsely claimed President Biden’s 2020 electoral victory was fraudulent. On January 6, 2021, insurrectionists carried the Appeal to Heaven flag, and it has become a favored emblem of Christian nationalist and anti-government factions."
He further stated that displaying such a symbol at a federal agency could risk endorsing messages from groups like the Proud Boys and other white Christian nationalists: “Flying such a symbol at a federal agency on a day meant to honor the shared ideals represented by the American flag risks endorsing the messages of groups such as the Proud Boys and other white Christian nationalists, which seek to undermine the rule of law.”
Markey emphasized that federal institutions should remain neutral and avoid ideologies that promote division: “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.”
The senator is seeking clarification on several points related to this decision and has requested responses by July 2, 2025. Among his inquiries are questions about who authorized flying this particular flag, whether Administrator Loeffler personally approved its use, and what protocols exist for selecting flags displayed on SBA property.
Markey also asked if any future plans involve flying non-official or historical flags at SBA headquarters and whether there is any endorsement of beliefs held by groups like the Proud Boys or other white Christian nationalist organizations.
