D.C. to remove ‘Black Lives Matter’ street mural near White House

Source: The Washington Post / Getty

Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced the removal of a large “Black Lives Matter” painting near the White House, citing distractions from federal job cuts as a priority.

Bowser faced criticism from Black Lives Matter activists for her performative actions and shift in tone towards President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans.

“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 said in a statement. “The devastating impacts of the federal job cuts must be our number one concern.”

The painting was commissioned in June 2020 as a public act of defiance following George Floyd’s death, sparking conflict with Trump over control of the city and federal workforce issues.

Although the relationship between Bowser and Trump has improved since then, Republicans continue to push for greater federal control over the capital.

As his administration moves to cut diversity programs in both the federal government and private sector, Trump has once again called for the federal government to “take over” the city’s governance.

Source: AP News