Judge Blocks Removal of '86 47' Flag in D.C. Protest

A federal judge has ruled that the National Park Service (NPS) cannot revoke a permit for an anti-Trump protest in Washington, D.C., over the display of an “86 47” flag. U.S. District Judge Randolph Moss, an Obama appointee, granted a temporary restraining order allowing the flag to remain, stating that the government failed to provide evidence that the message posed a threat to President Donald Trump. The protest group, Accountability Now USA, has maintained a continuous presence near the George Gordon Meade statue, demanding Trump’s impeachment. The dispute stems from the Secret Service’s belief that “86 47” could be interpreted as a call for violence, with “86” slang for removing or refusing service and “47” referencing Trump as the 47th president. The group insists the phrase is a demand for impeachment. The ruling comes as former FBI Director James Comey faces charges over a similar Instagram post, which the Justice Department alleges was a threat against Trump. The administration has argued that “86” can imply violence, while the judge noted its historical meaning as “throw out” or “refuse service.” The protest has also included signs with controversial messages, though the judge has yet to rule on whether they constitute obscenity.