Hijab

Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, the Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Minnesota, shared the meaning of her Ojibwe name in a social media post, framing it as a statement of political identity. Flanagan, a member of the White Earth Band of Ojibwe, said her name, "Gizhiiwewidamookwe," translates to "Speaks in a Loud and Clear Voice Woman," adding that she intends to be "Minnesota's voice in the U.S. Senate" rather than President Donald Trump's.

Flanagan, who has twice been elected as Gov. Tim Walz's running mate, is facing Republican candidate Michele Tafoya in the race. The post drew mixed reactions online, with some critics mocking the translation and others accusing her of political posturing. The exchange follows earlier scrutiny of Flanagan after video surfaced of her wearing a hijab while addressing Somali migrant constituents, amid broader controversy in Minnesota over fraud involving welfare funds tied to Somali community programs.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul drew criticism after appearing without shoes and wearing a hijab while addressing worshippers, mostly men, during a Friday Jummah prayer service at the Islamic Cultural Center of New York in Queens. She thanked Kuwait's UN representative, Tareq Albanai, for welcoming her to "be part of the family." The appearance, days before the anniversary of the September 11 attacks, prompted mockery on social media, with critics sarcastically calling her a "feminist icon."

Hochul previously wore a hijab in 2025 at the funeral of NYPD Detective Didarul Islam, a Muslim officer killed in a mass shooting. Critics also noted her endorsement of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who took his oath of office on a Quran and has faced scrutiny over past associations with controversial religious figures. The incident has fueled ongoing political debate over religious symbolism and public officials' outreach to Muslim communities.