U.S. federal authorities have launched an investigation after a large "8647" message appeared on the grounds of the National Mall, one of the country's most prominent public spaces.

Officials said the message was discovered in the grassy area between the World War II Memorial and the Washington Monument. U.S. Park Police officers responded to the scene and collected samples as part of an effort to determine how the markings were created.

Authorities have not yet identified those responsible or confirmed the method used to alter the grass. The investigation remains ongoing.

The phrase "8647" has become associated with anti-Trump political activism in the United States. Supporters of the slogan interpret the number "47" as a reference to President Donald Trump as the 47th president of the United States, while the meaning of "86" has been the subject of political controversy and differing interpretations.

The U.S. Department of the Interior condemned the damage to federal property and said investigators were examining whether the incident could be interpreted as a threat directed at the president.

The slogan previously drew national attention after former FBI Director James Comey shared an image showing the same numbers arranged with stones on a beach. The post sparked criticism from Trump allies, who argued that it carried threatening implications. Comey later said the image was not intended to encourage violence and rejected accusations that it represented a threat.

Reports also indicated that National Guard personnel were present near the area following the discovery of the message.

In a statement, the White House said political rhetoric directed at Trump had become increasingly hostile in recent years and stressed that any actions or messages perceived as encouraging political violence should be condemned.

The National Mall, which hosts some of the most recognizable monuments and memorials in the United States, has frequently been used as a venue for political demonstrations, protest art and public activism during Trump's second term in office.

Federal authorities have not announced any arrests in connection with the incident.(ILKHA)