Brace yourselves—Washington, D.C., is about to get a serious makeover. With Donald Trump back in the Oval Office and Republicans poised to control Congress, the days of unchecked “woke” policies in the nation’s capital are numbered.
The GOP isn’t just aiming to tackle national issues; they’re looking to clean up Washington itself. From out-of-control crime to controversial monuments to failed local governance, everything is on the table for reform.
One congressman has already set his sights on one particular “artistic” eyesore in D.C.—Black Lives Matter (BLM) Plaza. Republican Representative Andrew Clyde from Georgia wants the city’s infamous yellow-lettered street mural paved over.
Yes, you heard that right: Clyde isn’t just suggesting it—he’s ready to draft legislation to make it happen. But that’s not all. What he intends to do could turn D.C. around for good.
From Daily Caller:
Republican Georgia Rep. Andrew Clyde is calling for Black Lives Matter (BLM) Plaza in Washington, D.C., to be paved over, the Daily Caller has learned. He also plans on introducing legislation to overturn home rule in the nation’s capital during the next Congress.
The Fight to Reclaim D.C.
BLM Plaza, situated near the White House, was Mayor Muriel Bowser’s multimillion-dollar nod to the BLM movement in 2020. The project shut down a major street, cost taxpayers nearly $5 million, and turned a once-functional thoroughfare into a permanent political billboard.
Businesses nearby have suffered from the traffic disruption, but Democrats hailed the project as a symbol of social justice. Clyde, however, has a different take.
“This isn’t a tribute—it’s a waste,” Clyde said in a recent interview. He criticized the BLM movement as a “pro-crime” organization and blasted the plaza as a slap in the face to law enforcement.
“Imagine being a police officer and seeing that every day. It’s demoralizing. This city hates you—that’s the message it sends.”
Clyde plans to rally Republicans in Congress to dismantle the plaza. “It’s time to restore normalcy,” he declared.
He’s not just talking about ripping up the mural; he wants to reopen the street and stop the city from funneling more money into maintaining it.
Congress Takes Control
As the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C., falls under federal jurisdiction. According to the Constitution’s District Clause, Congress has ultimate authority over the city.
While D.C. has operated under “home rule” since 1973, meaning it governs itself in many respects, Congress can still veto local laws or impose its own. That’s precisely what Clyde and his GOP allies plan to do.
Clyde has been at the forefront of challenging D.C.’s local policies. In 2023, he co-authored a resolution with Senator Bill Hagerty to block the city’s new criminal code, which would have reduced penalties for violent crimes.
That resolution passed overwhelmingly in the Senate—81 to 14—with significant Democratic support and was signed by President Biden. The win showcased how Congress could rein in D.C.’s wayward policies, and Clyde is eager to build on that momentum.
His latest focus? Legislation is needed to fundamentally reshape how the home rule works. Clyde wants Congress to have the final say on all D.C. laws, flipping the current process on its head.
“Right now, the city gets to do what it wants unless Congress explicitly says no,” Clyde explained. “That’s backwards. Congress should have to approve laws before they go into effect.”
Helping Trump Clean Up D.C.
Clyde’s efforts align closely with Trump’s vision for his second term. During his campaign, Trump repeatedly promised to “clean up” Washington, referring both to the swamp of federal politics and the city’s deteriorating conditions. Clyde is ready to assist.
“President Trump said he wanted to clean up the city,” Clyde said. “We’re going to help him do that.” He pointed to rising crime, urban decay, and failing infrastructure as issues the new administration will tackle.
With Republican majorities and Trump’s leadership, Clyde believes D.C. is finally poised for real change.
With Republicans taking control, the stage is set for a dramatic showdown over the future of D.C.
Clyde’s push to remove BLM Plaza and end home rule represents the start of a broader effort to bring the capital back in line with conservative values. Whether through legislation, budgetary control, or direct intervention, the GOP is ready to reshape the city.
Key Takeaways:
- Trump’s Plan: Big changes are coming to D.C. as Republicans aim to undo years of Democratic mismanagement.
- Clyde Targets BLM Plaza: Georgia Rep. Andrew Clyde wants to pave over BLM Plaza and reopen the street to the public.
- Ending Home Rule: Clyde also plans to overhaul D.C.’s self-governance, giving Congress more control over the city.
Source: Daily Caller