ST. PAUL, Minn. — MyPillow founder and conservative activist Mike Lindell told the Todd Starnes Radio Show that restoring Minnesota’s former state flag would be among his first official acts if he is elected governor, framing the issue as part of a broader effort to reverse changes made under Democratic Gov. Tim Walz.
Lindell sharply criticized the new state flag adopted earlier this year, saying he would immediately reinstate the previous design if voters put him in office.
“Absolutely. First day,” Lindell said of the old flag. “That was so sick what he did to us and change that flag.”
Minnesota officially adopted a new state flag in May 2024 after a legislatively created commission selected a minimalist design featuring a dark blue background and a light blue, star-shaped outline inspired by the state’s geography and nickname, the “North Star State.”
Supporters said the new flag was simpler, more inclusive, and easier to reproduce, while critics argued it discarded history and tradition.
Lindell echoed a common criticism among conservatives, claiming the new flag resembles that of Somalia — a point disputed by flag experts, who note that many flags use blue fields and stars.
“The flag Governor Walz changed kind of looks like the Somalian flag,” Starnes said during the exchange, prompting Lindell’s pledge to reverse the change.
Lindell also used the discussion to attack Walz over unrelated cultural and religious issues, alleging that a satanic statue was placed inside the Minnesota Capitol.
“That statue is bye-bye the day I get in there,” Lindell said. “And here comes back our good old Minnesota flag.”
The former flag, which had been in use since 1957, featured the state seal on a blue background and had long faced criticism for its depiction of Native Americans and its complexity. Those concerns led lawmakers to authorize the redesign process in 2023.
Beyond the flag issue, Lindell used the interview to revisit his long-standing criticism of Walz’s leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, accusing the governor of allowing unrest during the 2020 protests in Minneapolis while imposing strict public health restrictions on residents.
“They let Minneapolis get burned down,” Lindell said, while also criticizing limits on family gatherings during Thanksgiving and Christmas that year. “Just disgusting.”
Lindell, a prominent ally of former President Donald Trump, has suggested a Trump endorsement could help clear the Republican primary field. He has not yet formally announced his candidacy, but has repeatedly signaled his intention to run.
Walz has defended the flag redesign as a thoughtful, transparent process and has rejected criticism that it undermines Minnesota’s heritage. State officials have also said the Capitol art displays are temporary and part of constitutionally protected expressions.
The flag issue is likely to remain a flashpoint in the 2026 governor’s race, reflecting broader cultural and political divisions in Minnesota as Republicans seek to reclaim statewide office.