Rep. Andy Ogles (R-TN) faced backlash this week after a social media post on X declared that “homosexuality has no place in America” during the opening days of Pride Month.
The post was later deleted after sparking widespread criticism from lawmakers, commentators, and users on social media.
The message also included a “Happy Nuclear Family Month” reference tied to a Tennessee designation recognizing traditional households defined as one husband, one wife, and children, as Resist the Mainstream previously covered.
Reaction from elected officials was swift, with criticism emerging from both parties.
Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) wrote on X, “Homosexuality exists. In America,” adding that gay and lesbian Americans are “family, friends, neighbors, colleagues and constituents” who deserve equal treatment under the law.
Former Rep. George Santos (R-NY) also weighed in, saying he was saddened by the post and arguing that support for traditional family structures should not conflict with civil rights protections for LGBT Americans.
As the controversy spread, attention also shifted to a statement Ogles posted explaining the situation.
“Earlier today while working on the farm, my phone began going crazy because of a post made by a member of my comms team,” he wrote. “The post was stupid, hurtful and a complete distraction from my America First focus. The employee has been reprimanded.”
The explanation itself quickly became part of the online debate, as users on X reacted sharply to Ogles’ decision to attribute responsibility to a staff member and delete the original post.
“This is horrible,” one X user wrote. “You are a civil magistrate, God’s servant to punish evil (Romans 13). It is a gross misuse of your position and authority to paint sodomy as anything other than an abomination.”
“You should apologize to your employee and then give him a raise,” one user wrote.
Another added, “That’s too bad. God bless that member of your comms team. Our lives here our short. Consequences are forever. ‘Repent or perish’-Jesus. Luke 13:3.”
Additional commenters framed the situation as a political reaction, with one stating, “Staffer said the quiet part out loud and boss panicked like ‘not on my watch’ Classic politician move, throw your own guy under the bus to look ‘moderate’. Nuclear family month still based tho.”
“Seriously?” another user tweeted. “This is the weakest sh*t I’ve ever seen. The comms employee needs a promotion.”
Some users took a more critical tone toward Ogles’ response, with one writing, “This post was stupid, hurtful and a complete distraction from your America First agenda. The employee should have been given a raise for telling the truth,” while another added, “The real mistake here is you backing down and apologizing for defending a normal, traditional value. Now that you gave the Left an inch, they will use this opportunity to take a mile.”
The incident adds to a pattern of social media controversies involving Ogles.
In March, RTM highlighted that he drew criticism after posting that “Muslims don’t belong in America,” a remark that prompted national backlash and condemnation from Democratic leaders.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries called Ogles a “malignant clown and pathological liar who has fabricated his whole life story,” according to Politico.
Newsweek also noted broader political context, pointing out that President Donald Trump has maintained relationships with several prominent gay Republicans, including Richard Grenell, Peter Thiel, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
Trump has also previously supported adjustments to Republican Party platform language related to LGBT issues and displayed an LGBT-themed campaign flag during his 2016 run, highlighting ongoing tensions within the GOP over how social issues are addressed
