Minnesota’s newly adopted state flag has drawn attention, with social media users claiming the design was altered to resemble Somalia’s national flag. The comparisons began circulating more widely after Minnesota Governor Tim Walz was named the Democratic vice-presidential nominee, Reuters reported. The new flag was officially adopted in May, following a multi-year process. (X) Posts shared online point to the flag’s blue color scheme and prominent star, arguing these features mirror Somalia’s flag. Some users have suggested the similarities were intentional or politically motivated. Those claims, however, overlook how and why the flag was redesigned in the first place. The new flag was officially adopted in May, following a multi-year process that included public submissions, legislative action, and expert guidance. That process, as documented at the time, provides context for evaluating the claims now circulating. Was the flag redesigned to resemble Somalia’s? The new Minnesota flag was not inspired by Somalia’s flag, according to both the designer whose work informed the final version, and a flag expert who advised the redesign commission. Those involved said …