A progressive protest group has maintained an “8647” flag on federal land near the National Mall since early June 2026, directly targeting President Donald Trump with calls for his impeachment and removal. The National Park Service (NPS) initially labeled the display a “true threat” under federal law and sought to shut it down, but U.S. District Judge Randolph D. Moss—appointed by former President Barack Obama—has now issued a permanent injunction blocking the agency from interfering with the protest.

On June 29, 2026, Judge Moss granted Accountability NOW USA summary judgment in the case, permanently barring the NPS and Interior Department officials from revoking the group’s demonstration permit or confiscating the “8647” flag and similar displays. The ruling explicitly declared that the symbols constitute protected First Amendment speech when shown in a public forum under a valid protest permit.

The court rejected the NPS’s arguments that the flags constituted obscenity, true threats, or criminal incitement under 18 U.S.C. § 871. Judge Moss determined the displays fell within core protected political speech and were not subject to government removal while the permit remained active. The injunction specifically prohibits federal officials from using the message as justification for altering the protest or destroying the flags.

The NPS had previously demanded the group remove the symbols after two weeks of display, claiming they violated federal law by threatening the President’s safety. Accountability NOW USA, represented by the ACLU of D.C., countered that the government was misusing its permit authority to suppress criticism of the administration. The court upheld this position in its memorandum opinion, which noted no material factual disputes existed between the parties—a key factor in granting immediate permanent relief rather than a temporary injunction.

This decision follows similar legal precedent cited by Judge Moss, including rulings protecting certain statements made by former President Trump during his criminal prosecution in Washington, D.C. The ruling leaves the “8647” flag and related displays legally protected on NPS-managed land near Constitution Avenue, while Interior officials maintain they view the message as a threat to the presidency that should not be permitted under any administration.