Clearing of Lafayette Square and St. John's Church photo op

On June 1, 2020, law enforcement officers cleared protesters from Lafayette Square so President Donald Trump could walk to St. John's Episcopal Church for a photo opportunity; photographs and video of the clearing and the president holding a Bible at the church circulated widely online and generated numerous memes. Authorities disputed aspects of the tactics used to disperse protesters, including whether tear gas was deployed, and the events prompted inquiries by federal watchdogs and public debate. The images became a prominent visual reference in discussions and satirical responses about the events of that day. The church is commonly referred to as the 'Church of the Presidents' for its proximity to the White House.