House Republicans are working on a plan to eliminate Black Lives Matter Plaza in Washington, DC, arguing that it represents partisan governance and diverts focus from addressing crime in the city, The New York Post reported.
The two-block plaza, located near the White House, was established in June 2020 under Mayor Muriel Bowser’s administration and features the phrase “Black Lives Matter” painted in large yellow block letters across 16th Street NW. An additional “DEFUND THE POLICE” message, added by activists, was later removed during roadwork.
House Oversight Committee Chair Rep. James Comer (R-Ky) confirmed the committee’s intent to address the issue as part of broader efforts to reform governance in the nation’s capital.
“The House Oversight Committee and the Trump administration are working on delivering a number of reforms to make our nation’s capital safe and end left-wing pet projects. This includes addressing partisan abuses by the District government such as Black Lives Matter Plaza,” Comer said.
The Republican-led initiative aligns with President Donald Trump’s push to eliminate what he calls “woke ideology” from federal governance. The committee did not specify which other projects may be reconsidered.
Under the Home Rule Act of 1973, Congress retains the authority to override local decisions in Washington, DC It previously exercised this power in 2023 when it blocked a city law that would have reduced maximum penalties for violent crimes.
Republicans, including Trump, have advocated for greater federal control over DC , citing rising crime rates.
“Mayor Bowser and Democrat-run Washington, DC are focused on virtue signaling and spending taxpayer money to paint Black Lives Matter instead of the record spike in homicides, carjackings, and other violent crimes,” Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) said.
He added: “Washington DC’s failures are a reminder why the city must never become a state.”
The debate over Black Lives Matter Plaza remains part of the broader political divide over crime policies and federal oversight in the US capital.
