US President Donald Trump has directed the removal of the White House Peace Vigil, a 44-year-old protest site located across from the presidential residence, describing it as an “eyesore.”
The vigil, established in 1981 at Lafayette Park, features a small blue tent surrounded by placards calling for global disarmament. Activists have maintained the site round the clock for decades in line with National Park Service rules that require continuous staffing.
Trump issued the order after a reporter from conservative outlet Real America’s Voice asked about the tent during an interaction. “Take it down, today, right now,” he responded.
His remark has raised concerns among demonstrators that the long-running vigil could be dismantled. On Friday night, police officers were seen engaging with protesters, while vigil-keeper Philipos Melaku-Bello was photographed consoling a distressed supporter.
The site has faced challenges before. In 2013, it was briefly removed when police found it unmanned, but activists succeeded in reinstating it. Earlier this year, Congressman Jeff Van Drew also described the vigil as a “24-7 eyesore” in a letter to the Interior Department.
The protest was originally founded by activist Connie Picciotto, who manned it from 1981 until her death in 2016. Picciotto, celebrated for her resilience, once vowed she would “never give up,” even after the tent was temporarily cleared.
