Judge Allows Anti-Trump Group to Keep Flying ‘86 47’ Flag Near National Mall
A federal judge has ruled that an anti-Trump protest group may continue flying a flag reading “86 47” near Washington’s National Mall, finding that the display is protected political speech rather than a threat against President Donald Trump.
U.S. District Judge Randolph Moss granted a temporary restraining order preventing federal officials from revoking the group’s protest permit over the flag. The government argued the phrase could be interpreted as a threat toward Trump, the 47th president. Moss concluded that, in context, the group was advocating Trump’s removal from office through political means rather than encouraging violence.
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The decision stems from a dispute involving Accountability NOW USA, which has used the slogan during demonstrations calling for Trump’s impeachment. The judge noted the protest setting, lack of violent imagery, and common meanings of “86” as factors supporting First Amendment protection.
The ruling highlights the legal threshold government agencies must meet before restricting political expression and could influence future disputes involving controversial protest messaging.
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