D.C.'s Black Lives Matter Plaza could be removed, mayor suggests
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Black Lives Matter Plaza spans two blocks on 16th Street leading to the White House. Photo: Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images
Black Lives Matter Plaza near the White House may soon be no more, after a new statement from D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and pressure from Congressional Republicans to get rid of it.
Why it matters: The two-block-long mural was a giant rebuke to President Trump, created by Mayor Bowser during protests in June 2020 after the police murder of George Floyd.
State of play: "We have long considered Black Lives Matter Plaza's evolution and the plaza will be part of DC's America 250 mural project," Bowser said Tuesday.
- Though vague, the mayor appeared to suggest the area would be painted over, perhaps with art that honors America's 250th birthday next year.
Between the lines: U.S. Rep. Andrew Clyde, a Republican from Georgia, introduced a bill on Monday that would withhold certain funds from the District if BLM Plaza wasn't removed.
What they're saying: "The mural inspired millions of people and helped our city through a very painful period, but now we can't afford to be distracted by meaningless congressional interference," Bowser's statement said.
- "The devastating impacts of the federal job cuts must be our number one concern," she said. "Our focus is on economic growth, public safety, and supporting our residents affected by these cuts."
What we're watching: There's no timeline yet for changes.