Plaintiff Accountability Now, an unincorporated association holding a permit from the National Park Service (NPS), maintains a continuous demonstration near the George Meade Statue on Constitution Avenue in Washington, D.C. Volunteers staff the protest around the clock to engage the public on issues including the rise of fascism and calls for the impeachment of former President Donald Trump. The current permit, issued April 13, 2026, is valid through August 12, 2026, with plans to renew for the same or another NPS-managed location in D.C.
On February 24, 2026, following reports that the Justice Department withheld over 50 pages of FBI interviews with a woman accusing Donald Trump of sexually abusing her as a minor, Accountability Now began displaying two new signs: "TRUMP RAPED LITTLE GIRLS" and "KIDS, IF YOUR PARENTS ARE MAGA, THEY LOVE CHILD RAPISTS." According to the plaintiff, these signs have sparked numerous conversations about Trump's behavior, morality, and fitness for office.
NPS agents requested removal of the signs, though it is unclear if reasons were provided. The government argued that the signs could be obscene to children and sought to restrict their display. However, the court found no evidence that the signs appeal to the prurient interests of minors or that children were the intended audience. The signs were deemed political discourse responding to matters of public concern.
Judge Randolph Moss of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia ruled in favor of Accountability Now, affirming that the signs are protected under the First Amendment. The decision emphasized that it is not the government's role to police the content of political debate, even if the speech is provocative or offensive to some.
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