Particle.news
Download on the App Store
10 ARTICLES
·
2d ago

Decades-Old White House Peace Vigil Dismantled After Trump’s Order

The White House cites a public-safety hazard under its D.C. cleanup push, with the vigil’s steward consulting lawyers.

Image
Philipos Melaku-Bello, center left, and Will Rosin, center right, flash the V sign during Peace Vigil in Lafayette Park across from the White House in Washington, Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025. The U.S. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)
Philipos Melaku-Bello talks to people during Peace Vigil in Lafayette Park across from the White House in Washington, Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)
Philipos Melaku-Bello flashes the V sign during Peace Vigil in Lafayette Park across from the White House in Washington, Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

Overview

  • U.S. Park Police removed the Lafayette Park tent early Sunday after President Trump directed staff on Sept. 5 to take it down immediately.
  • A White House statement described the structure as a hazard to visitors and linked the action to the administration’s encampment clearances and beautification initiative in Washington, D.C.
  • The vigil, started in 1981 by activist William Thomas, is widely regarded as the longest continuous political protest in the United States.
  • Trump’s order followed an Oval Office exchange in which Real America’s Voice correspondent Brian Glenn called the tent an eyesore and criticized its message.
  • Philipos Melaku-Bello, who has long maintained the vigil, says the site is protected First Amendment activity and is seeking legal counsel, with earlier pressure for removal coming from Rep. Jeff Van Drew.