By — Associated Press Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/watch-take-it-down-trump-says-about-white-house-peace-vigil-that-has-stood-since-1981 Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter WATCH: ‘Take it down,’ Trump says about White House Peace Vigil that has stood since 1981 Politics Updated on Sep 6, 2025 1:11 PM EDT — Published on Sep 6, 2025 12:59 PM EDT President Donald Trump ordered on Friday the removal of the blue tent that has stood for decades as a peace vigil across from the White House in Lafayette Park. Watch Trump’s remarks in the video player above. “Take it down today, right now,” Trump said during a meeting in the Oval Office, adding that he had previously been unaware of the tent. WATCH: Trump holds news briefing after signing executive order for ‘Department of War’ moniker Brian Glenn, a reporter with conservative outlet Real America’s Voice, had asked Trump about the blue tent and called it “an eyesore.” Philipos Melaku-Bello comforts a woman as he sits on his regular spot at the 44-year-old White House Peace Vigil outside of the White House, after President Donald Trump ordered its removal, in Washington, D.C., Sept. 5, 2025. Photo by Leah Millis/Reuters The structure has been in place since 1981, when activists first set it up as part of a continuous anti-nuclear and peace protest. It was widely regarded as the longest-running protest vigil in U.S. history. Rio Phillips hugs vigil-keeper Philipos Melaku-Bello at the edge of Lafayette Square after protesters gathered when the park was cleared, afraid that the 44-year-old White House Peace Vigil would be torn down after President Donald Trump ordered its removal, in Washington, D.C., Sept. 5, 2025. Photo by Leah Millis/Reuters We're not going anywhere. Stand up for truly independent, trusted news that you can count on! Donate now By — Associated Press Associated Press
President Donald Trump ordered on Friday the removal of the blue tent that has stood for decades as a peace vigil across from the White House in Lafayette Park. Watch Trump’s remarks in the video player above. “Take it down today, right now,” Trump said during a meeting in the Oval Office, adding that he had previously been unaware of the tent. WATCH: Trump holds news briefing after signing executive order for ‘Department of War’ moniker Brian Glenn, a reporter with conservative outlet Real America’s Voice, had asked Trump about the blue tent and called it “an eyesore.” Philipos Melaku-Bello comforts a woman as he sits on his regular spot at the 44-year-old White House Peace Vigil outside of the White House, after President Donald Trump ordered its removal, in Washington, D.C., Sept. 5, 2025. Photo by Leah Millis/Reuters The structure has been in place since 1981, when activists first set it up as part of a continuous anti-nuclear and peace protest. It was widely regarded as the longest-running protest vigil in U.S. history. Rio Phillips hugs vigil-keeper Philipos Melaku-Bello at the edge of Lafayette Square after protesters gathered when the park was cleared, afraid that the 44-year-old White House Peace Vigil would be torn down after President Donald Trump ordered its removal, in Washington, D.C., Sept. 5, 2025. Photo by Leah Millis/Reuters We're not going anywhere. Stand up for truly independent, trusted news that you can count on! Donate now