Black Lives Matter Plaza Removed Following Federal Pressure

The iconic mural near the White House was dismantled after Republican-led efforts threatened funding cuts to Washington, D.C.

The removal of Black Lives Matter Plaza began this week, with city workers dismantling the 48-foot yellow-letter mural created in 2020 following George Floyd's murder.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser cited federal budget threats from congressional Republicans as the reason for the decision to remove the mural and rename the plaza.
The plaza's removal reflects the waning influence of the Black Lives Matter movement, which has faced funding declines, internal criticism, and political backlash in recent years.
President Trump and Republican lawmakers celebrated the removal, framing it as a rejection of what they view as divisive and radical political messaging.
Activists and observers have expressed concern about the broader rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives under the current administration.