Gov. Hobbs displays 22 tribal flags removed from Phoenix VA

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has taken custody of 22 Tribal flags that were removed from the Carl T. Hayden Veterans’ Administration Medical Center due to a new federal policy restricting flag displays. The flags, representing Arizona's 22 federally recognized tribes, were dropped off at the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community before Hobbs displayed them in the rotunda of the Arizona State Capitol. Hobbs emphasized the importance of recognizing Tribal veterans' contributions, stating that the removal of the flags disrespected their heritage. Tribal leaders expressed frustration over the removal, calling it an insult to Native soldiers who served in the military, while some officials defended the policy as pro-veteran. Hobbs plans to keep the flags on display until they can be returned to the VA hospital, contingent on a change in VA policy. The incident has sparked political debate, with critics accusing Hobbs of politicizing the issue.