Mayor Muriel Bowser of D.C. is planning a new mural at Black Lives Matter Plaza after the GOP threatens to withhold funding

The artwork at Black Lives Matter Plaza, which became a symbol of resistance during the 2020 racial justice rallies, is set to be updated, according to plans announced by D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser.

Following the introduction of a measure by Republican Representative Andrew Clyde (R-GA) that would deprive D.C. of millions in federal transportation assistance if Bowser did not rename and delete references to the plaza, the action was taken.

Bowser presented the upgrade as a component of a larger initiative to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. During the Trump administration, Bowser had originally ordered the mural to be painted in prominent yellow letters next to the White House. She didn’t specifically respond to Clyde’s request that the location be renamed “Liberty Plaza.”

Bowser turned his attention to economic issues brought on by government employment cuts, saying, “The mural inspired millions and helped our city through a painful time, but now we can’t afford to be distracted by meaningless congressional interference.”

Introduced Monday, Clyde’s bill aims to eliminate all reference to Black Lives Matter Plaza from city records and signs. D.C. may lose up to $185 million in federal transportation funding this year alone if Bowser declines, with substantially more at risk in the years to come.

A fervent Trump fan, Clyde referred to the Black Lives Matter movement as “radical.”

Bowser has not yet stated if she will adhere to the suggested name change to Liberty Plaza. A spokesman refused to elaborate on her position.