Ottawa County Drops Divisive Motto After Board Shift

Ottawa County, Michigan, voted 7-4 to remove its motto 'Where Freedom Rings' after the pro-Trump Ottawa Impact group lost its majority on the Board of Commissioners. The motto, adopted in 2023, was criticized as divisive and linked to controversial board actions, including firing the health officer and eliminating the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Department. Board Chair John Teeples cited the need for neutral, unifying government branding as a reason for the change. A proposal to replace the motto with 'In God We Trust' failed to pass. The decision has highlighted ongoing political and cultural tensions in the county, even as Republicans maintain a majority on the board. No new motto has been adopted.