The authorities' labeling of the vigil as an encampment and its subsequent removal have raised significant concerns about civil rights, free speech, and the proper interpretation of protest rights.

In May, Congressman Jeff Van Drew criticized the vigil, calling it an eyesore and questioning the legality of its occupation of public land, citing safety and aesthetic concerns.

The protest was highlighted during a White House event, where it was criticized by some as an anti-American and anti-Trump symbol, and was falsely portrayed as a threat by misinformation spread through media figures.

President Trump expressed surprise upon learning of the vigil's existence and emphasized his intention to remove it, citing previous efforts to dismantle similar protest sites.

The incident reflects the ongoing debate over protest rights versus government security measures, especially amid political tensions in the nation's capital.

The White House justified the removal of the longstanding peace vigil in Lafayette Square by claiming it posed a hazard to visitors and falsely labeled it as an encampment for homeless people, a characterization disputed by protesters who argued it was a peaceful demonstration protected by the First Amendment.

This action is part of a broader federal effort under the Trump administration to take control of policing in Washington, D.C., and enforce stricter regulations on public demonstrations.

During a recent White House event, President Trump was unexpectedly instructed by a conservative media correspondent to remove the vigil, which he was previously unaware of, highlighting the political tensions surrounding the protest.

The tent, staffed by volunteers including Philipos Melaku-Bello, is located in Lafayette Square directly across from the White House and requires continuous staffing to maintain the protest.

The incident underscores ongoing tensions between the right to protest and government efforts to clear homeless encampments, amid broader political and security concerns in the nation's capital.

The vigil, established in 1981 by activist William Thomas to promote nuclear disarmament, is recognized as the longest continuous anti-war protest in U.S. history, maintained around the clock by volunteers like Philipos Melaku-Bello after Thomas's death in 2009.

Since its inception, the peace vigil has served as a symbol advocating for nuclear disarmament and global peace, with volunteers staffing it 24/7 to uphold its mission.