President Donald Trump said the federal government "will be forced" to clean up the "unsightly" homeless encampments within Washington, D.C., if Mayor Muriel Bowser doesn't have it done herself. (Getty)
Trump has previously stated that he supports the federal government taking over the nation's capital if it cannot be managed correctly, adding that the city cannot remain as it is when foreign leaders come to town.
"They're not doing the job," Trump said last month, arguing that there is "too much crime" and "too many tents on the lawns – these magnificent lawns."
Despite his criticism of the city, Trump has said he likes the Democratic mayor personally. The two met in December to discuss their shared priorities for Washington, D.C., a moment that was described by Bowser as a "great meeting."
Black Lives Matter Plaza was constructed in Washington, D.C., near the White House in 2021. It was initially planned to be a permanent installation within the city. (Andrew Harnik, file)
"The mural inspired millions of people and helped our city through a painful period, but now we can't afford to be distracted by meaningless congressional interference," Bowser's statement said, referencing a recently-introduced bill that calls for changing the plaza. "The devastating impacts of the federal job cuts must be our number one concern."
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Details surrounding a date for the plaza's transformation were not given.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-says-dc-mayor-bowser-must-clean-up-homeless-encampments-capital