Trump Makes New Order
Washington, D.C. — In a bold move to restore order and dignity to the nation’s capital, President Donald J. Trump on Friday ordered the immediate removal of the White House Peace Vigil, a makeshift protest camp that had been stationed outside the White House for 44 years.
The protest, which began in 1981 as an anti-nuclear demonstration, had become a permanent eyesore in Lafayette Park — directly across from the White House — and was widely supported by far-left activists.
“I didn’t know that. Take it down. Take it down today, right now,” President Trump commanded after a reporter described the encampment as a blight on one of America’s most historic landmarks.
This swift action reflects Trump’s ongoing effort to clean up Washington, D.C., remove illegal encampments, and restore public safety ahead of the United States’ 250th anniversary celebration in 2026.
Cleaning Up D.C. Ahead of America’s 250th Birthday
Over the past several weeks, D.C. police and National Guard troops have increased operations to clear homeless encampments and illegal structures throughout the city. These actions are part of Trump’s promise to revitalize the capital, ensuring it reflects the strength and pride of the American people.
For years, residents and tourists have complained that public spaces near the White House have been overrun by radical left activists and illegal protests. Trump’s latest directive sends a strong message:
The nation’s capital belongs to law-abiding Americans, not to those who break the law or disrespect America’s heritage.
The Radical Protest That Wouldn’t End
The White House Peace Vigil began in June 1981, launched by activist William Thomas, who opposed America’s nuclear defense strategy during the Reagan era.
For decades, the vigil displayed controversial, anti-American messages like:
- “Ban All Nuclear Weapons or Have a Nice Doomsday”
- “Live By the Bomb, Die By the Bomb”
After Thomas’s death in 2016, activist Philipos Melaku-Bello took over the site, which became a revolving door for far-left volunteers.
While some Democrats championed the vigil as “principled activism,” many conservatives saw it as a symbol of disorder, weakness, and disrespect for America’s military and values.
Lawmakers Divided
Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-N.J.) praised Trump’s decisive action, emphasizing that no group should have special privileges above the law.
“No organization or group has the right to operate outside the law, and keeping this encampment in place sets a terrible example for Americans who follow the rules,” Van Drew said. “This is not about silencing free speech — it’s about enforcing the law, ensuring public safety, and safeguarding one of our nation’s most treasured historic sites.”
Meanwhile, Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) defended the vigil, arguing that it was protected under the First Amendment. Norton has also repeatedly introduced far-left legislation to eliminate America’s nuclear weapons and redirect defense funding to climate programs, housing, and other progressive causes — policies strongly opposed by conservatives who view them as dangerous to national security.
Trump Restores Pride to the People’s House
By removing the long-standing vigil, President Trump is delivering on his promise to restore law, order, and dignity to the nation’s capital.
For over four decades, this encampment stood as a symbol of chaos and radicalism, undermining America’s image before millions of visitors from around the world.
Now, Trump is ensuring that Washington, D.C. will shine brightly as the country prepares to celebrate 250 years of freedom, strength, and American greatness.
