The Washington Post editorial board said D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s decision to remove the "BLM Plaza" is good because it will placate President Trump's threats to the city's autonomy

The nation's capital city will remove the large painting of the words “Black Lives Matter” on a street one block from the White House as Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser struggles to fend off threats of encroachment from both President Donald Trump and the Republican-controlled Congress.

NPR's Michel Martin speaks with Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser about the capital city under President Trump and the planned renaming of Black Lives Matter Plaza.

The mural inspired millions of people and helped our city through a very painful period, but now we can’t afford to be distracted by meaningless congressional interference,” said D.C. mayor Muriel Bowser.

The mural, spelling “BLACK LIVES MATTER” in bright yellow letters, was painted in June 2020, turning the pavement into a pedestrian zone.

The current political climate has been fraught with complicated emotions and shocking changes in law. Unsurprisingly to some, the stakes are seemingly climbing higher by the month with the new administration in place.

A spokesperson for D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser confirmed to NBC Washington that Bowser will remove Black Lives Matter Plaza and the “Black Lives Matter” ground mural will be painted over.

The move comes as congressional Republicans threaten to revoke federal funding if the plaza is not repainted and renamed.

Crews from the District Department of Transportation will begin working on what is currently the Black Lives Matter Plaza in Washington, D.C. on Monday.