Thousands Protest Trump’s Troop Deployment in D.C. March
UPDATE: Thousands of protesters flooded the streets of Washington, D.C., on Saturday, demanding that President Donald Trump withdraw National Guard troops deployed throughout the city. The demonstration, part of the “We Are All D.C.” march, comes amid escalating tensions as Trump threatens to extend similar military interventions to other Democratic-led cities, including Chicago.
Protesters, including undocumented immigrants and advocates for Palestinian statehood, carried signs proclaiming messages like “Trump must go now” and “Resist Tyranny.” One protester, Alex Laufer, declared, “I’m here to protest the occupation of D.C. We need to get the federal police and the National Guard off our streets.”
This protest follows Trump’s deployment of over 2,000 National Guard troops last month, which he justified by citing a need to “re-establish law, order, and public safety.” However, critics argue that crime rates in the capital have actually reached a 30-year low, according to Justice Department data. Many view this military presence as an overreach of federal power, especially as Trump has placed the Metropolitan Police Department under direct federal control.
As the march unfolded, Trump was reportedly golfing outside the capital. Yet, he intensified his rhetoric on social media, posting a controversial image parodying the 1979 film “Apocalypse Now,” threatening to deploy troops to Chicago as part of a crackdown on crime. His statement, “I love the smell of deportations in the morning,” has sparked outrage and concern among many residents and officials.
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker reacted strongly to Trump’s statements, revealing that he had learned from reporters about the administration’s plans to deploy additional ICE agents and military vehicles to Chicago. “What they’re trying to do in D.C. is what they’re trying to do with other dictatorships,” said a protester who identified himself as Casey. “They’re testing D.C., and if people tolerate it enough, they’re gonna do it to more and more areas.”
Washington D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb filed a lawsuit on Thursday aiming to block the troop deployment, claiming it violates constitutional and federal laws. Meanwhile, some residents have expressed support for the National Guard’s presence, hoping for increased security in high-crime neighborhoods.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has praised the surge of federal law enforcement, noting a significant decrease in crime, including carjackings, since the deployment. However, she also hopes for the National Guard’s mission to conclude soon. Their current orders have been extended through November 30, 2024.
As the situation escalates, the future of troop deployments in the capital remains uncertain. The National Guard’s visibility has primarily been limited to downtown and tourist areas, raising concerns about their effectiveness in addressing crime.
This developing story highlights the growing divide between local and federal authorities, with potential implications for cities across the nation. As tensions rise, many are left wondering: what will happen next? Stay tuned for updates as this situation unfolds.
