Washington may remove giant Black Lives Matter sign, says mayor
Muriel Bowser has indicated that the mural might be painted over following demands from Republicans for its removal, which include threats to halt funding. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
Muriel Bowser has indicated that the Black Lives Matter mural near the White House in Washington, DC, could be painted over, following demands from Republicans for its removal and threats to halt funding.
The mural was created on Bowser’s orders in June 2020 as a statement against then-President Donald Trump during his first term, coinciding with nationwide protests in response to the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police. Additionally, Bowser officially renamed the section of 16th Street NW, where the mural is located, to ‘Black Lives Matter Plaza.’
In a statement on X on Tuesday, Bowser suggested that the mural's removal might be necessary, citing Republican lawmakers' threats to withhold millions in federal funding from the city unless the mural is taken down and the plaza is renamed.
“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 wrote. “The devastating impacts of the federal job cuts must be our number one concern,” she emphasized, focusing on economic growth and public safety as key priorities for the city.
Washington is heavily reliant on the federal government, with a significant number of local jobs associated with federal agencies. Since returning to office, Trump has advocated for substantial federal job cuts, arguing against what he perceives as bloated government roles. Thousands of workers have already been laid off, with others relocated outside the capital.
Simultaneously, Trump has mandated that remaining federal employees return to in-person work, a decision Bowser has backed to help revitalize the city’s struggling economy. However, a recent report from the city’s chief financial officer revealed a projected $1 billion budget shortfall over the next three years due to reduced federal employment and office occupancy.
Bowser’s comments have drawn criticism from activists who view the mural as a powerful symbol of resistance. Black Lives Matter DC has accused her of placing political considerations over the movement's significance, with co-founder Nee Nee Taylor claiming that Bowser is erasing the mural to appease Republicans.
In contrast, Trump has called for a federal “takeover” of Washington, portraying it as plagued by crime and homelessness. Republican lawmakers have introduced multiple bills targeting the city, including the Bowser Act, which aims to diminish its limited autonomy and increase federal control over crime and policing.
Sophie Wagner for TROIB News
The mural was created on Bowser’s orders in June 2020 as a statement against then-President Donald Trump during his first term, coinciding with nationwide protests in response to the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police. Additionally, Bowser officially renamed the section of 16th Street NW, where the mural is located, to ‘Black Lives Matter Plaza.’
In a statement on X on Tuesday, Bowser suggested that the mural's removal might be necessary, citing Republican lawmakers' threats to withhold millions in federal funding from the city unless the mural is taken down and the plaza is renamed.
“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 wrote. “The devastating impacts of the federal job cuts must be our number one concern,” she emphasized, focusing on economic growth and public safety as key priorities for the city.
Washington is heavily reliant on the federal government, with a significant number of local jobs associated with federal agencies. Since returning to office, Trump has advocated for substantial federal job cuts, arguing against what he perceives as bloated government roles. Thousands of workers have already been laid off, with others relocated outside the capital.
Simultaneously, Trump has mandated that remaining federal employees return to in-person work, a decision Bowser has backed to help revitalize the city’s struggling economy. However, a recent report from the city’s chief financial officer revealed a projected $1 billion budget shortfall over the next three years due to reduced federal employment and office occupancy.
Bowser’s comments have drawn criticism from activists who view the mural as a powerful symbol of resistance. Black Lives Matter DC has accused her of placing political considerations over the movement's significance, with co-founder Nee Nee Taylor claiming that Bowser is erasing the mural to appease Republicans.
In contrast, Trump has called for a federal “takeover” of Washington, portraying it as plagued by crime and homelessness. Republican lawmakers have introduced multiple bills targeting the city, including the Bowser Act, which aims to diminish its limited autonomy and increase federal control over crime and policing.
Sophie Wagner for TROIB News
