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Muriel Bowser has suggested that the mural could be painted over after Republicans demanded its removal, threatening funding halts
A Black Lives Matter mural near the White House in Washington, DC, could soon be painted over, Mayor Muriel Bowser has suggested, citing the need to focus on more pressing issues such as the impact of federal job cuts.
The mural was originally painted on Bowser’s orders in June 2020 as an act of defiance against US President Donald Trump during his first term. The move came amid nationwide protests over the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers. At that time, Bowser also officially renamed the section of 16th Street NW, where the letters are displayed, to ‘Black Lives Matter Plaza’.
However, in a statement on X on Tuesday, Bowser appeared to suggest that the mural could be removed, as Republican lawmakers have threatened to withhold millions in federal funds from the city unless the sign is taken down and the plaza is renamed.
“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 wrote. “The devastating impacts of the federal job cuts must be our number one concern,” she added, stressing that the city is now focused on economic growth and public safety.
Washington relies heavily on the federal government, with thousands of local jobs tied to federal agencies. Since returning to office, Trump has pushed for deep federal job cuts, arguing that the government is bloated with unnecessary positions. His administration has already laid off thousands of workers and relocated others outside the capital.
At the same time, Trump has ordered remaining federal employees back to in-person work, a move Bowser has supported to help revive the city’s struggling economy. However, a recent report from the city’s chief financial officer has warned that Washington still faces a $1 billion budget shortfall over the next three years due to declining federal employment and office occupancy.
Bowser’s remarks have sparked backlash from activists who see the mural as a symbol of resistance. Black Lives Matter DC accused her of prioritizing politics over the movement, with co-founder Nee Nee Taylor saying she is erasing the mural to appease Republicans.
Meanwhile, Trump has called for a federal “takeover” of Washington, describing it as overrun with crime and homelessness. Republican lawmakers have introduced several bills targeting the city, including the Bowser Act, which seeks to strip its limited autonomy and give federal authorities greater control over crime and policing.
