1. United States
2. Wash.
3. Letter

I am deeply concerned about President Trump's recent directive to remove the White House Peace Vigil, a historic protest site that has stood across from the White House since 1981. This action represents a grave threat to our First Amendment rights and the principles of free speech that our nation holds dear. The White House Peace Vigil is not merely a tent, but a powerful symbol of our democracy in action. For over four decades, it has served as a continuous reminder of the importance of global nuclear disarmament and world peace. Staffed 24 hours a day by dedicated volunteers, including Philipos Melaku-Bello who spends over 100 hours per week there, this vigil embodies the very essence of peaceful protest protected by our Constitution. President Trump's order to "Take it down. Take it down today, right now" during a meeting with reporters in the Oval Office is a direct assault on our right to free speech and peaceful assembly. This decision, apparently influenced by a reporter's characterization of the vigil as an "eyesore" and an anti-Trump protest, shows a disturbing disregard for the fundamental rights of American citizens. I urge you to take immediate action to protect the White House Peace Vigil. This is not a partisan issue, but a matter of preserving our constitutional rights. The vigil's longest-serving steward, Melaku-Bello, rightly points to the First Amendment when questioned about the protest's legality. It is crucial that we uphold these rights, especially in times when they are under threat. Furthermore, I ask that you investigate the appropriateness of Rep. Jeff Van Drew's recent letter to the Interior Department questioning the protest's legality. Such actions by elected officials can have a chilling effect on free speech and must be scrutinized. The White House Peace Vigil, with its flags and anti-war banners proclaiming "War is not the answer," serves as a vital platform for dialogue on critical issues of peace and nuclear disarmament. Its removal would not only silence an important voice but also set a dangerous precedent for suppressing dissent. I implore you to stand up for our First Amendment rights, protect the White House Peace Vigil, and send a clear message that in our democracy, peaceful protest is not just tolerated, but valued as an essential part of our national discourse.