Washington, D.C.’s Black Lives Matter Plaza near the White House is set to be renamed as a result of threats to cut funding. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced that the city plans to paint over the large yellow mural that was created during racial justice protests in 2020. Congressional Republicans, led by Rep. Andrew Clyde, proposed legislation that would require the city to repaint and rename the plaza or risk losing transportation funding. Bowser stated that the mural served its purpose during a difficult time but the city cannot be distracted by congressional interference. The plaza will be repainted as part of a citywide mural project celebrating the country’s 250th birthday.
Republican lawmakers have been making various proposals to limit the district’s governance powers, with some seeking to repeal the district’s self-rule status. Trump had also expressed support for the federal government taking over governance of the District of Columbia. While Mayor Bowser’s decision to replace the Black Lives Matter mural has pleased Rep. Clyde, he plans to continue his legislative efforts until the plaza is altered.
The Black Lives Matter Plaza was initially created as a symbol of defiance against the Trump administration in the wake of protests over the death of George Floyd. The move to rename the plaza has been criticized by the D.C. chapter of Black Lives Matter as a performative distraction from real policy changes. The organization has not yet responded to Bowser’s decision to replace the mural.
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