All articles tagged with #national mall
More than a dozen Democratic lawmakers will skip Trump's State of the Union to attend a counter-rally near the Capitol, organized by MoveOn and MeidasTouch, framing the event as a stand against what they call a flawed agenda and for protecting democracy. The White House dismissed opposition to Trump’s policies, while lawmakers note past protests and other forms of dissent at the address.
A group of Democratic lawmakers will skip Trump's State of the Union and hold a rival rally on the National Mall, the "People's State of the Union". Attendees include Sens. Ed Markey, Jeff Merkley, Chris Murphy, Tina Smith and Chris Van Hollen and Reps. Yassamin Ansari, Becca Balint, Greg Casar, Veronica Escobar, Pramila Jayapal, Delia Ramirez and Bonnie Watson Coleman. MoveOn is organizing with MeidasTouch; the White House has dismissed the boycott, while the event underscores the ongoing use of counter-programming as Trump faces a partial government shutdown and other political headwinds.
President Donald Trump is pushing to build a 250-foot Independence Arch in Memorial Circle near Arlington, modeled on Paris’s Arc de Triomphe, to mark America’s 250th anniversary. The plan would alter traffic patterns, loom over the Potomac, and heighten controversy as architectural experts warn about scale and its impact on surrounding memorials; the project faces legal challenges and uncertainty over cost (Axios cited about $100 million funded by donors) and authorities’ approval process.
INDYCAR announced the Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C., a street race around the National Mall planned for Aug. 21–23, 2026, authorized by an executive order signed by President Trump. The event aims to celebrate America’s 250th birthday, will be free to the public, televised on FOX, and organized with federal agencies and D.C.’s local government.
An oversized, 10-foot-tall replica of a 2003 birthday message allegedly from President Trump to Jeffrey Epstein appeared overnight on the National Mall near the Capitol, timed for Epstein’s would-be birthday. One side shows the greeting: “Happy Birthday To A ‘Terrific Guy!’” and the other features a drawing of a naked torso with “Donald” beneath and the phrase “may every day be another wonderful secret.” Trump has denied signing it. The piece was placed as part of a congressional inquiry and references a 2002 NY magazine description of Epstein as a “terrific guy.”
A satirical statue depicting President Trump and Jeffrey Epstein holding hands, originally removed from the National Mall, has been re-erected despite permit issues, sparking controversy and ongoing debates over free speech and transparency related to Epstein's investigations.
A controversial statue depicting Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein holding hands, titled 'Best Friends Forever,' has been returned to the National Mall after being removed by the NPS due to permit issues. The statue, created by 'The Secret Handshake,' was damaged during removal but was reassembled. The group has a history of installing provocative sculptures on the National Mall.
A satirical statue depicting President Trump and Jeffrey Epstein holding hands, titled 'Best Friends Forever,' briefly appeared on the National Mall before being removed by police for lacking a permit.
A provocative bronze statue on the National Mall depicts Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein holding hands, celebrating their alleged 'long-lasting bond,' and highlighting Trump's past association with Epstein, which continues to generate controversy and criticism.
President Trump plans to deploy 800 National Guard troops along the National Mall in Washington D.C. overnight to address crime, with troops working in shifts and supporting law enforcement, creating a significant military presence in a typically peaceful area.
A government cybersecurity contractor, Curtis Lear, was jailed after driving his Jeep erratically and in circles on the National Mall near crowds, causing damage and panic, and facing multiple federal charges including destruction of government property.
Thousands of spectators gathered on the National Mall in Washington D.C. to witness a partial solar eclipse, with millions of people across the U.S. pausing to look up as the rare event unfolded. Despite not being in the path of totality, D.C.-area residents enjoyed an ideal forecast for viewing the eclipse, with some schools using the event as a learning opportunity. The Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum hosted a festival and distributed over 2,500 pairs of safety glasses for eclipse viewing. The eclipse, which began at 2:04 p.m. and reached its maximum obscuration of 89% at 3:20 p.m., brought together people from various locations for a unique and awe-inspiring experience.
Four years after the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, the memorial of white flags on the National Mall serves as a poignant reminder of the lives lost. Families of victims share their stories of grief and loss, finding solace in the collective mourning space. The flags, each representing a Covid victim, continue to bear messages of love and remembrance, as survivors grapple with the ongoing impact of the pandemic.
The finale of the limited series "Fellow Travelers" features a scene set at the National Mall in 1987, where the National AIDS Memorial Quilt is unveiled. Real pieces of the iconic quilt were used, including squares for notable figures like Roy Cohn. Showrunner Ron Nyswander obtained the squares from the NAMES Project Foundation to help keep the memory of the AIDS epidemic alive. Actor Matt Bomer, who plays Hawk Fuller, had an overwhelming experience seeing the real quilt for the first time during filming. The scene serves as a poignant reminder of the impact of AIDS and the countless lives affected.
Tens of thousands of demonstrators are expected to gather on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., for the "March for Israel" rally, condemning rising antisemitism and showing support for Israel. The event comes amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, with calls for a cease-fire and efforts to release hostages. Organizers aim to highlight Israel's right to be free from violence and the right of Jewish communities worldwide to live free from hate. The rally has heightened security measures due to its large attendance, and speakers include political figures, celebrities, and family members of hostages. Antisemitic incidents have surged during the conflict, prompting concerns and calls for action.