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8mo ago

D.C. Removes Black Lives Matter Plaza Under Federal Pressure

Facing budget threats from Trump and GOP lawmakers, Mayor Bowser prioritizes city stability over symbolic protests.

With the White House in the background, demolition begins on the Black Lives Matter mural, Monday, March 10, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
With the White House in the background, a worker watches as demolition begins on the Black Lives Matter mural, Monday, March 10, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
With the White House in the background, painted letters spelling out the word "matter" are seen as demolition begins on the Black Lives Matter mural, Monday, March 10, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
People work to transform Washington, D.C.'s Black Lives Matter Plaza, as part of a new mural project, after threats by Congressional Republicans to cut transportation funding if the plaza was not renamed, in Washington, DC, U.S., March 10, 2025. REUTERS/Leah Millis

Overview

  • Washington, D.C. has begun dismantling the Black Lives Matter Plaza mural, a prominent symbol of racial justice created in 2020 near the White House.
  • The decision follows legislative threats from Republican lawmakers to withhold over $1 billion in federal funding unless the mural was removed.
  • Mayor Muriel Bowser cited the city's financial challenges and the need to protect its autonomy as reasons for the removal, while acknowledging the mural's historical significance.
  • The Trump administration's workforce cuts and federal funding reductions are projected to cost D.C. $1 billion in revenue over the next three years, straining the city’s economy.
  • Critics argue that the removal sets a dangerous precedent of yielding to federal pressure, while Bowser defends her approach as a strategic effort to safeguard city operations.