In a move directed by President Trump on Monday, law enforcement officials in the United States removed a blue tent outside the White House, with Trump alleging that the tent was connected to the “communist cause.” The dismantling of this tent coincides with Trump’s efforts to clear tent encampments for the homeless in the capital and combat crime.
The blue tent originated from an anti-nuclear weapons protest that began in 1981, initiated by advocate William Thomas in Lafayette Square, which has been ongoing for 44 years. The tent often played national anthems from various countries, including the national anthem of China.
During a speech at the Museum of the Bible, Trump stated, “We took it down pretty quickly, and now it’s down.” He mentioned the close connection between these tents and people with the communist cause.
Trump noted that the dismantling process was “not easy” and that some individuals even chained themselves to trees.
“We’ve taken down over 58 tent cities right in our great park, right next to the great buildings – the Supreme Court, you can see the tent city from there,” said Trump.
In an interview with Brian Glenn of “Real America’s Voice” last Friday, Trump spoke about the blue tent in front of the White House. He mentioned that the blue tent, initially set up for an anti-nuclear protest, evolved over time to represent anti-American and sometimes anti-Trump activities.
Trump stated that he was unaware of the tent’s existence before, describing it as “an eyesore” that made people uncomfortable. He immediately instructed staff to remove it.
In March of this year, Trump signed an executive order for the “Beautification of Washington D.C.” Following this, on August 22nd, he announced plans to request $2 billion in funding from Congress for beautification efforts in the capital, including refurbishing the White House Executive Office Building.
FBI Director Kash Patel stated on September 8th that since federal forces took over security in Washington D.C. in August, over 2,000 people have been arrested.
By Monday evening, following the removal of the tent, there was only one protester left at the site – Craig Thompson. He mentioned protesting for 11 years.
Thompson told NTD, a media outlet within the Epoch Media Group, “I personally believe in socialism capitalism. Everyone here can freely express their opinions.”
Thompson explained that law enforcement arrived at the site around 6:30 am on Sunday, finding only one man on duty. They took everything, including the tent’s structure and cement bricks. The man was a new protester who identified as “anti-fascist”, and it was his first time on duty two days before the government dismantled the tent.
Thompson found Trump’s accusation of the tent being related to “communism” absurd. He stated that he has read Chinese literature, appreciates Chinese culture, and emphasized that he is not a communist, but believes in American freedom. Thompson concluded, “Trump has his views, but I think his approach is wrong.”