Federal Court Rules 8647 Flag and Anti-Trump Signs Are Protected Speech, Blocks NPS from Revoking Permit

On June 30, 2026, U.S. District Judge Randolph D. Moss granted summary judgment to Accountability NOW USA, permanently enjoining the National Park Service from revoking the group's 24/7 anti-Trump demonstration permit or confiscating signs and an '8647' flag. The court rejected the Trump administration's arguments that signs alleging Trump sexually abused children were obscene and that the flag (a call to '86'—get rid of—the 47th president) constituted a true threat. The ruling affirmed that the signs and flag fall 'well within the heartland of protected First Amendment speech,' delivering a sharp rebuke to the administration's effort to suppress critical speech on NPS-managed land near the National Mall.

"well within the heartland of protected First Amendment speech" — U.S. District Judge Randolph D. Moss in the ruling