An aide to Ohio Congressman Dave Taylor has sparked controversy after a video conference revealed a flag with a swastika in the background. The aide, Angelo “A.J.” Elia, previously known as a Democratic activist, was seen during the call with the flag prominently displayed. This incident has drawn significant attention and condemnation.
Elia, who served as president of the Mahoning County Young Democrats and held positions with Youngstown State University College Democrats, was hired by Congressman Taylor in January 2025. The swastika flag incident occurred during a Zoom call on October 15, 2025, and was first reported by Politico.
In a statement addressing the situation, Congressman Taylor described the flag as "office vandalism" and expressed his outrage. He stated that the image does not reflect the values of his office or staff and that he has initiated an investigation with the Capitol Police.
The Mahoning County Young Democrats, from which Elia hails, recently called for the resignation of Young Republican leaders involved in another controversy. They emphasized their commitment to higher standards for their members and leaders.
Elia’s background includes working for Blue Phoenix Strategies, a firm that opposed voter restrictions in Ohio. His LinkedIn profile indicates he is a senior at Youngstown State University. Prior to his role with Congressman Taylor, Elia was active in progressive causes, including supporting candidates focused on immigration and social issues.
As the investigation unfolds, some sources have suggested that the swastika may have been an "optical illusion," becoming more visible in video or still images. This claim has added another layer of intrigue to an already bizarre situation.
The incident raises questions about the presence of such imagery in a congressional office and the implications it has for political discourse. As the investigation continues, the spotlight remains on both Elia and Congressman Taylor’s office as they navigate the fallout from this incident.
