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By Hollie Silverman and Joshua Rhett Miller
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Republican Representative Andy Ogles has apologized after a social media post was published to his X account saying that "homosexuality has no place in America."
The post also wished his followers "Happy Nuclear Family Month" following a recent designation by Tennessee lawmakers, which has drawn criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates as June has historically been known as Pride month.
Ogles later deleted the post and responded to the backlash he faced, writing on X: "Earlier today while working on the farm, my phone began going crazy because of a post made by a member of my comms team."
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He added: "The post was stupid, hurtful and a complete distraction from my America First focus. The employee has been reprimanded."
Ogles' remark drew a sharp rebuke from former Representative George Santos, who said the comment targeted him “simply because of who I choose to love.” His response highlights divisions within the Republican Party, particularly between socially conservative messaging and LGBTQ+ conservatives who argue for inclusion within the movement.
Meanwhile, Republican Senator Ted Cruz said that "for all of recorded history homosexuals have been part of humanity," adding that the "behavior of consenting adults is their business."
President Donald Trump has allied himself with several prominent gay Republicans: Special Presidential Envoy for Special Missions of the U.S. Richard Grenell, tech billionaire Peter Thiel, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, the first openly gay Cabinet member in a Republican administration. He also waved a rainbow LGBTQ+ for Trump flag in 2016 and worked behind the scenes to remove some anti-LGBTQ+ language from the Republican Party's platform in 2024.
Newsweek reached out to Ogles via email for comment. John Freeman, Bessent's husband, did not immediately return a message seeking comment midday Tuesday in response to Ogles’ post.
George Santos Responds to Ogles' Post
Santos responded directly to Ogles’ post on X, saying the remark felt like a personal rejection based on his identity.
In his reply, Santos said he supports the idea of the nuclear family but was “saddened” to hear someone he considers a friend suggest there is “no place” for him in the country simply because of who he loves. He emphasized that he has never tried to impose his sexual orientation on others and has consistently backed conservative principles.
Santos also wrote that he is entitled to “the same civil rights as anyone else in this country.” His reaction highlighted tensions within conservative circles, particularly among LGBTQ+ Republicans who argue they can support traditional values while still expecting equal treatment under the law.
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Santos was elected in 2022 and became one of the first openly gay Republicans elected to Congress as a freshman lawmaker.
He quickly drew national attention after it emerged that much of his personal and professional background was false. In December 2023, the House of Representatives voted 311–114 to expel Santos, a rare move that has only happened a handful of times in U.S. history. Santos later pleaded guilty to federal charges, including wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.
Who Is Andy Ogles?
Ogles is a Republican representing Tennessee’s 5th Congressional District, a seat he has held since January 2023. Before entering Congress, he served as mayor of Maury County from 2018 to 2022.
In Congress, Ogles has aligned himself with the party’s more conservative wing and is known for taking strong positions on social and cultural issues. He opposes same-sex marriage and has expressed support for ideas associated with Christian nationalism, while also positioning himself as a staunch Trump ally.
Ogles has drawn backlash for remarks targeting religious and cultural groups, including posting on X in March that Muslims “don’t belong in American society,” which prompted criticism across party lines. His rhetoric around LGBTQ-related issues has similarly generated attention, contributing to ongoing debates about his role in broader cultural and political conflicts
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What Is Nuclear Family Month?
Nuclear Family Month is a symbolic designation created by Tennessee lawmakers for June 2026, established through a state resolution signed by Republican Governor Bill Lee. The measure defines a “nuclear family” as a household made up of one husband, one wife, and their children, whether biological, adopted, or fostered and describes that structure as central to society and rooted in traditional values.
The resolution is ceremonial rather than legally binding, meaning it does not change marriage, custody, or family law in the state. Instead, it serves as a statement of values by lawmakers, emphasizing what they describe as the importance of traditional family structures. The designation has drawn national attention in part because it coincides with June’s widely recognized Pride Month, with supporters framing it as a celebration of family and critics arguing it signals exclusion of LGBTQ+ families.
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What Is Pride Month?
Pride Month is an annual observance held each June that celebrates the LGBTQ+ community, while also recognizing its contributions to society and ongoing fight for equal rights.
The month traces its origins to the Stonewall uprising in New York City, which began on June 28, 1969, after a police raid on the Stonewall Inn sparked several days of protests. That event is widely considered a turning point in the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement, and Pride Month is observed in June to honor its anniversary.
Update 6/3/26 3.40 a.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
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