Councilman Holloman delivers private‑policy presentation on 'communist agenda' and DEI funding; chair cautions personalization

Councilman Holloman used his council comment time on Feb. 27 to give a lengthy presentation criticizing international influence, diversity‑equity‑inclusion efforts and what he described as a “communist agenda.” He cited historical references, named George Soros and described reported USAID spending on DEI‑related projects in multiple countries, and urged a return to faith and family as a civic response.

Holloman prefaced his remarks with a roster of topics — including references to Yuri Bezmenov, whom he described as a former KGB agent who lectured on subversion — and then reviewed a series of claims about media ownership, international funding and social programs. He cited specific dollar figures he said were paid by USAID to organizations abroad (examples he named included a DEI musical in Ireland and DEI work in Latin America) and discussed the spread of cultural change over decades.

During the presentation the mayor (chair) interrupted to remind Holloman to avoid personalizing remarks; the chair later told Holloman he had one minute remaining and that he had reached his 10‑minute limit. Councilman McLaughlin asked directly how Holloman’s federal‑spending claims related to the City of Clarksville budget; Holloman said the topic did not affect the city budget and characterized his remarks as broader policy and cultural concerns.

Holloman closed by offering personal recommendations — urging church participation, marriage and family formation — and by saying he gave “glory to God.” The presentation was recorded in the meeting transcript as a council member’s remarks; the city did not announce any policy action or budgetary change arising from the presentation during the Feb. 27 meeting.