Leftists in Washington, D.C. staged protests against President Donald Trump’s efforts to address crime and violence in the nation’s capital, with demonstrators chanting slogans such as “Free DC” and “Resist Tyranny.” The demonstrations, organized by the Free DC Project, included participants who claimed to oppose what they described as an “authoritarian regime” and called for an end to federal law enforcement presence in the city.
The “We Are All D.C.” march began at Meridian Hill Park and moved toward the White House, with protesters demanding the withdrawal of the National Guard and criticizing Trump’s deployment of federal agents to restore order. Organizers alleged that federal authorities were “profiling, harassing, and violently arresting” residents, though evidence suggested some groups traveled by bus to participate in the event.
Trump had previously announced measures to combat crime in D.C., including placing the Metropolitan Police Department under federal control and deploying ICE personnel to patrol streets. Critics argued these actions represented excessive federal interference, while supporters praised them as necessary for public safety. Demonstrators included individuals identified as undocumented immigrants and advocates for Palestinian statehood, who carried signs urging Trump’s removal.
The protests highlighted deepening tensions over governance in the capital, with participants framing their actions as a defense of local autonomy against what they called an oppressive federal agenda.