A controversial image surfaced from the office of US Representative Dave Taylor (R-Ohio) in Washington, D.C., depicting an American flag altered with a swastika. This alarming revelation came in the wake of the exposure of numerous offensive messages exchanged among Young Republican leaders. Sources indicate that these messages have sparked outrage.
The congressman requested an investigation by the Capitol Police following the disturbing flag display, which was prominently showcased on a cubicle wall behind staff member Angelo Elia during a virtual meeting on Tuesday, as reported by Politico, which also displayed an image of the flag.
In a statement, Taylor expressed, “I am aware of an image showing a deeply inappropriate symbol near an employee in my office.” He further stated, “The content does not reflect the values or standards of this office, my staff, or myself, and I condemn it in the strongest terms.”
Despite the serious nature of the discovery, the statement did not clarify whether the staff involved had faced any repercussions or their role in the incident.
According to a spokesperson, Taylor suspects that the flag, found in his Cannon Building office, could be a result of “foul play or vandalism.”
The explosive image was initially shared by Ohio blogger DJ Byrnes via social media, showing Elia participating in a video call with the offensive flag visible behind him, alongside items like a pocket Constitution and a congressional calendar.
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
Byrnes remarked on X, “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.”
Elia, who is also known as AJ, completed his master’s degree in legislative affairs from George Washington University in May and has been serving as a legislative correspondent in Taylor’s office since January, as noted on his LinkedIn profile.
The Capitol Police have not yet responded to The Post’s inquiry regarding the incident. Elia could not be reached for immediate comment.
This unsettling discovery follows closely on the heels of leaked communications revealing Young Republican leaders sharing intolerable messages—including racist remarks against black individuals and appalling statements about Adolf Hitler. Reports indicate that these chats sent shockwaves through the political community.
The leak, consisting of nearly 2,900 pages of alleged discussions among several dozen group leaders, showcased racial slurs, mockery of Jewish individuals, and vile comments regarding the Holocaust.
During one particularly egregious exchange, then-chair of New York’s Young Republicans, Peter Giunta, reportedly declared, “I love Hitler” in reply to a message from the Kansas Young Republicans chair.
