On February 18, 2025, former NFL punter Chris Kluwe was arrested during a Huntington Beach City Council meeting in California. Kluwe was protesting the installation of a plaque in the city’s public library that features the words “Magical,” “Alluring,” “Galvanizing,” and “Adventurous,” spelling out “MAGA,” commonly associated with former President Donald Trump’s slogan, “Make America Great Again.”
During the public comment segment, Kluwe criticized the plaque, asserting that the “MAGA” movement represents efforts to marginalize transgender individuals, promote racial segregation, and enforce censorship through book bans. He described the movement as “explicitly a Nazi movement.” Following his remarks, Kluwe announced his intention to engage in civil disobedience and approached the council members. Police officers intervened, arresting and removing him from the meeting.
Kluwe was charged with disrupting an assembly and was released after approximately four hours in custody. He stated that his protest aimed to raise public awareness about the implications of the plaque, rather than to persuade the council members. Kluwe emphasized the importance of standing up and speaking truth to power in a manner that others can emulate.
Known for his activism on LGBTQ+ rights and marriage equality, Kluwe has a history of outspoken advocacy. He played eight seasons with the Minnesota Vikings from 2005 to 2012 and had brief stints with the Oakland Raiders and Seattle Seahawks.
The Huntington Beach City Council, composed entirely of Republican members, has faced criticism from residents who view the plaque as a political statement inappropriate for a public library. Despite the controversy, the council has not indicated plans to remove the plaque.
This incident highlights ongoing debates over the display of politically charged symbols in public spaces and the role of civil disobedience in advocating for social change.