D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has announced plans to refresh the mural at Black Lives Matter Plaza, a site that became a symbol of resistance during the 2020 racial justice protests.
The move comes after Republican Rep. Andrew Clyde (R-GA) introduced a bill that would strip D.C. of millions in federal transportation funding if Bowser refused to rename and remove references to the plaza.
Bowser, who originally ordered the mural to be painted in bold yellow letters near the White House during the Trump administration, framed the update as part of a broader effort to commemorate America’s 250th birthday. She did not directly address Clyde’s demand to rename the site “Liberty Plaza.”
“The mural inspired millions and helped our city through a painful time, but now we can’t afford to be distracted by meaningless congressional interference,” Bowser said, shifting focus to economic concerns stemming from federal job cuts.
Clyde’s legislation, introduced Monday, seeks to remove all mentions of Black Lives Matter Plaza from city documents and signage. If Bowser refuses, D.C. could lose up to $185 million in federal transportation funds this year alone, with even more at stake in the years ahead.
Clyde, a staunch Trump supporter, called the Black Lives Matter movement “radical”.
So far, Bowser has not confirmed whether she will comply with the proposed name change to Liberty Plaza. A spokesperson declined to clarify her stance.
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