A left-wing local official in Washington has found herself in hot water after dismissing the American flag as “not relatable” and suggesting that a pride flag would better represent her city, as reported by Fox News.

Lynnwood City Councilwoman Isabel Mata sparked outrage after arguing that 27 American flags displayed in a local park should be swapped out for “commemorative” or “inclusive” ones—because certain versions of Old Glory represent “parts of American history that, frankly, are not great.”

Mata’s comments came during a recent city council meeting, where she lamented the presence of multiple iterations of the U.S. flag flown in Wilcox Park, affectionately known as “Flag Park.”

Her remarks, suggesting the American flag was less meaningful than the LGBTQ pride flag, quickly spread across social media and drew fierce criticism from locals, veterans, and conservatives who saw her statements as yet another symptom of the Left’s ongoing crusade against patriotism.

Trump's Sovereign Wealth Fund: What Could It Mean For Your Money?

“To me, a pride flag is way more relatable than an American flag,” Mata said.

“I would not raise an American flag at my house because I wouldn’t. I wasn’t even born here. But I would raise a pride flag.”

The councilwoman added that as Lynnwood is “the most diverse city in Snohomish County,” she doubted she was the only one to feel that way.

FREE Gun Law Map: Laws Don't Pause During Social Unrest

That comment was enough to ignite a firestorm online.

“Lynnwood, Washington City Councilwoman Isabel Mata says the LGBTQ flag is more relatable than the American Flag and she would never fly an American Flag,” posted the popular conservative account Libs of TikTok, helping the story go viral within hours.

Lynwood, Washington City Councilwoman Isabel Mata says the LGBTQ flag is more relatable than the American Flag and she would never fly an American Flag pic.twitter.com/5bHBSiJTrw

— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) May 7, 2026

The backlash was swift and unforgiving.

Fox News contributor Miranda Devine put it bluntly: “‘I wasn’t even born here.’ Then shut up.”

"I wasn't even born here." Then shut up. https://t.co/qTTU8BvuHt

— Miranda Devine (@mirandadevine) May 7, 2026

Others piled on with comments like “If you hate America that much, why are you still here?” and “WA cooked.”

Oh, Look!

Lynnwood city councilwoman and migrant Isabel Mata: "To me, an LGBTQIA+ flag is way more relatable than AMERICAN FLAG. I would not fly one!!!" If you hate America that much, then why are you still here? pic.twitter.com/xzgtSoCjZp — Conservative Brief (@ConservBrief) May 7, 2026

Many conservatives saw Mata’s remarks as yet another example of far-left identity politics trumping national pride and common sense.

Mata, who describes herself in her official bio as a “queer, neurodivergent writer, advocate, and mindfulness meditation teacher,” scrambled to clean up the mess once her words caught fire.

In a statement to Fox News Digital, she claimed she had been speaking “personally, as a queer woman, about what the pride flag means to me.”

That attempt at damage control didn’t do much to calm the growing criticism.

“I apologize for the way I expressed myself, and I mean that sincerely,” she said.

“The American flag represents the sacrifices of veterans and military families, and the promise that drew immigrants like me to this country. I should have honored that more carefully in my remarks.”

Mata insisted she has “deep respect for everyone who has served under that flag.”

Yet her remarks were not isolated musings. They reflect a broader trend among left-wing politicians who increasingly treat the American flag as a divisive or outdated symbol.

From kneeling during the national anthem to calling for the U.S. flag to be replaced or reinterpreted, progressives have chipped away at the one symbol meant to unite all Americans—regardless of race, gender, or orientation.

Mata also cited the “need” for more “inclusive” symbols in Lynnwood, saying she wanted to open “a broader conversation” about how the city could “reflect its community.”

That’s liberal speak for eroding traditional symbols under the guise of diversity. After years of this rhetoric, many conservatives are understandably tired of hearing that America’s flag, values, and institutions are somehow exclusionary.

Interestingly, the controversy coincides with a new push from Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who recently proposed legislation that would elevate the pride flag to the same level of congressional recognition as the American and military flags.

Image Credit: Ron Adar - Shutterstock.com

Once a flag created to spotlight one movement, it’s now being rewritten into national policy by Democrats who see “representation” as more important than tradition.

Meanwhile, those defending the American flag point out that each element carries meaning. The red stands for valor and bravery, the white for purity and innocence, and the blue for vigilance, perseverance, and justice.

Its design and symbolism have stood the test of time, representing the sacrifices of millions who built, served, and defended this country. That history may not always be “comfortable,” but it is undeniably powerful.

For many Lynnwood residents, it wasn’t just Mata’s comments—it was the underlying attitude they revealed. The willingness of an elected official to treat the U.S. flag as a relic of shame rather than pride cut deep.

In communities across America, there are Gold Star families, veterans, and first responders who see Old Glory as sacred. To hear a public servant diminish it in favor of a political cause felt like yet another slap in the face.

Mata insists she only meant to encourage “discussion” and that any changes to public spaces would require “proper public process with full community input.”

That’s bureaucratic language for “I know I messed up, but let’s talk about it.” Still, it’s clear her attempt to substitute the one flag that unites Americans with one that divides them is not sitting well with voters.

The American flag belongs to all Americans, regardless of background or beliefs. When elected officials act as though it’s something to be ashamed of, they reveal more about their own priorities than those of the people they represent.

For many, Isabel Mata’s offhand comments didn’t just insult the flag—they insulted the country itself.

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Objectivist. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.