A private meeting between former US President Donald Trump and Minnesota's top Democrat, House Speaker Melissa Hortman, erupted into a spectacular political row over the seemingly mundane topic of official flag protocol.
The controversial encounter, which took place on Sunday, was reportedly orchestrated by Charlie Kirk, the founder of the right-wing student group Turning Point USA. The meeting, intended as a private discussion, quickly unravelled into a public spectacle.
A Clash Over Symbols
According to sources, the dispute ignited when Trump's team arrived at the location and demanded the removal of certain official flags that were on display, intending to replace them with a set of flags brought by the former president's entourage. This move was immediately challenged by Speaker Hortman, who stood her ground on the proper display of state and official insignia.
The altercation highlights the intensely symbolic nature of modern US politics, where even the choice of flags becomes a battleground for political posturing and power dynamics.
The Aftermath and Reactions
The fallout was swift and public. Charlie Kirk took to social media to lambast Hortman, accusing her of orchestrating a "setup" and displaying what he termed "mindless hatred." His posts framed the incident as a deliberate attempt to disrespect the former president.
In a sharp retort, Hortman's office released a statement characterising the event differently. They confirmed the meeting took place but painted Kirk as an "agent of chaos" whose actions were designed to create a confrontational and divisive spectacle rather than foster genuine dialogue.
This incident underscores the deep divisions and heightened theatricality that continues to define American political engagements, turning a private meeting into a public proxy war over respect, protocol, and partisan loyalty.
