The controversial Black Lives Matter Plaza, a two-block stretch of 16th Street NW near the White House, is being dismantled after more than four years as a symbol of left-wing activism in the nation’s capital. The move follows pressure from Republican lawmakers who sought to strip federal funding from D.C. unless the area was renamed.
Construction crews arrived early Monday to begin the removal process, painting over the massive yellow Black Lives Matter lettering that was originally commissioned by D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser in June 2020 amid nationwide protests following the death of George Floyd. The mural, which was once hailed as a public statement against President Donald Trump, is now being erased under a new political climate.
Work began at 9 a.m. when the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) workers started removing bollards on 16th Street, closing one traffic lane in the process. These bollards will not be returned to the street.
A DDOT spokesperson explained to WTOP that the reconstruction would occur during both weekdays and weekends and is anticipated to take six to eight weeks, depending on the weather.
“DDOT will closely coordinate with local stakeholders to ensure a smooth process, and we appreciate the public’s patience as we work to enhance this important corridor,” the spokesperson said. The renovation of the plaza is projected to cost $610,000, as stated by the District Department of Transportation.
Washingtonians might see changes to their commutes as certain sections will temporarily close in stages during the ongoing project, which is set to unfold on both weekdays and weekends. The DDOT aims to minimize disruptions and keep access open for businesses and residents, the agency explained.
Watch:
Right now: work crews just North of the White House to dismantle Black Lives Matter Plaza 4.5 years since receiving this designation by DC local government.
DC Mayor Bowser agreed to retire BLM Plaza following threats to federal funding from Congress. pic.twitter.com/Cusf4TYROX
— Ford Fischer (@FordFischer) March 10, 2025
The divisive road graffiti in Washington D.C. is finally being removed. Black Lives Matter “BLM” Plaza should be renamed something patriotic or inclusive for EVERYONE.
Thank you, President Trump! 🧡 pic.twitter.com/eXKKyNYWaJ— Jere_Memez (@Jere_Memez) March 10, 2025
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Mayor Bowser, who previously championed the mural as a powerful symbol of racial justice, attempted to reframe the decision as part of a broader revitalization effort.
“We have long considered Black Lives Matter Plaza’s evolution, and the plaza will be part of D.C.’s America 250 mural project, where we will invite students and artists to create new murals across all eight wards,” Bowser said in a statement.
While she insisted that the decision was based on the city’s focus on economic recovery and public safety, she also acknowledged that the federal government played a role. Republican lawmakers, led by Rep. Andrew Clyde (R-GA), had pushed for legislation that would withhold federal transportation funds from D.C. unless the area was renamed Liberty Plaza and references to Black Lives Matter were removed.
Bowser, who had initially planned to announce the move later this month, acknowledged that federal funding concerns played a role.
“We have bigger fish to fry than fights over what has been very important to us and to the history… That mural played a very important part, but now our focus is on making sure our residents and our economy survive,” she stated.
awesome , about time ..