Is Neo Nazism Spreading?
Nazi Symbol on Capitol Hill? What a Republican Aide Taped to His Office Wall
A swastika-defaced American flag was discovered in Rep. David Taylor's office, sparking controversy and investigation. The incident follows recent exposure of extremist messages among GOP members.
A new scandal involving neo-Nazism is roiling the Republican Party after a flag bearing a swastika was discovered in the Capitol Hill office of a Republican Congressman, specifically at the workstation of a legislative aide.
The controversial image, an American flag defaced with a swastika, was allegedly displayed at the desk of Angelo Alia, a legislative and economic adviser for Congressman David Taylor.
The discovery, first reported by POLITICO, shows the defaced flag taped to what appears to be a cubicle wall behind Alia during a virtual meeting. The flag, which replaced the stars and stripes with the Nazi symbol, was placed next to personal items, including a Congressional calendar. The flag was physically found in Taylor’s office in the Cannon House Office Building on Tuesday afternoon.
Congressman Taylor Condemns Act, Orders Investigation
Congressman Taylor was quick to condemn the display and immediately ordered an investigation in coordination with the Capitol Police.
"I am aware of an image that appears to depict a most repulsive and inappropriate symbol near an employee in my office," Taylor said in a statement. "The content of the image does not reflect the values or standards of this office, my staff, or me, and I condemn it in the strongest possible terms."
Taylor’s office spokesman suggested the presence of the flag might be the result of "inappropriate acts or vandalism."
Broader Context of Extremism
This incident follows closely on the heels of a separate, explosive POLITICO report earlier this week exposing a private Telegram chat group used by young Republican activists and leaders. That chat group contained numerous messages featuring racist slurs, antisemitic remarks, Holocaust jokes, and explicit praise for Adolf Hitler and the Nazis.
In one message, Peter Giunta, chairman of the New York Young Republicans Club, reportedly wrote, "I love Hitler," in response to a discussion about a far-right candidate. In other instances, he allegedly wrote that anyone who votes against a certain candidate "is going to the gas chambers."
The repeated emergence of extreme rhetoric and symbols linked to Republican circles has sparked a fierce debate within the American right regarding the party’s tolerance for far-right extremism.
A request for comment from the US Capitol Police was met with an automated response stating the office was closed due to a government shutdown and would reopen "once the federal government is funded." Alia, who has served as a legislative correspondent in Taylor's office since January, has not immediately responded to requests for comment.