D.C.'s Surprising Turn: Bowser and Trump's Unlikely Collaboration
Could Washington D.C.'s Mayor, Muriel Bowser, be Tilting Towards the MAGA Ideology?
Unquestionably, the political relationship between D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and Donald Trump hasn't always been a smooth ride. The appreciated irony lies in their shared turf—Washington D.C.—where the democrat-leading District Mayor and the former-Republican-turned-independent President have been butting heads for years.
Bowser: Then and Now
Remember when Bowser critically spoke out against Trump's deployment of federal law enforcement in response to the 2020 protests and riots, or when she commissioned the painting of a Black Lives Matter mural near the White House and re-christened the area "Black Lives Matter Plaza"? Well, those were clear signs of past disagreements. But things have drastically changed.
It's almost surreal to compare 2025 Muriel Bowser with her 2020 counterpart. Fast forward to today, and she's collaborating with Trump and even the Washington Commanders to get a stadium deal done on the site of the old RFK Stadium. And, just weeks later, she vacated the Oval Office, basking in gratitude for Trump during the NFL's announcement about holding the draft in Washington in 2027.
Jim Lo Scalzo/EPA/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Shifting Alliances: A New Balance of Power
It seems Mayor Bowser has gradually moved towards Trump. The most recent example came a few days back when she proposed the repeal of the capital's sanctuary city law. If this proposal gains traction from the D.C. City Council, it would allow local police to assist federal agencies with deportations.
Say Goodbye to the Famous BLM Mural
Bowser has included this proposal in her new 2026 budget, and it's been reported by Axios. While some D.C. council members may oppose the change, the greater point here is evident—Bowser is shifting away from the provocative strategies of 2020 to one that delivers results that Trump approves of.
Invariably, tensions may still flare up along the way. But take a moment and consider this: That BLM mural she once championed? Bowser has ordered it to be dismantled now.
It's a testament to how political landscapes can change, even between adversaries. Times they are a-changin', and in D.C., you can see it happening right before your eyes.
- The unexpected collaboration between Mayor Muriel Bowser and former President Donald Trump, initially marked by disagreements over policy-and-legislation and politics, has extended to supporting a stadium deal and repealing the capital's sanctuary city law.
- In a stark shift from her 2020 stance, Mayor Bowser, now in 2026, is working towards dismantling the Black Lives Matter mural and proposing a repeal of the sanctuary city law, which is a significant change in her general-news strategy towards more agreement with Trump.
