Jeers at Union Station
Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller were met with loud boos and chants of “Free D.C.” during a visit with National Guard troops at Union Station on Wednesday.
The officials stopped at a Shake Shack to buy lunch for the troops, but much of their appearance was overshadowed by demonstrators.
Officials Defend Deployment
Vance praised the troops, saying, “You guys are doing a hell of a job. I’m proud of you and we’re grateful.” He and Miller brushed off the protesters, labeling them “crazy” and “communists.”
When asked why troops were stationed at Union Station, Vance argued the site had become unsafe due to homelessness: “This should be a monument to American greatness.” He added that official crime data fails to capture the full extent of problems on the streets.
Bowser Pushes Back
Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser disagreed, noting crime in D.C. has dropped sharply over the past two years thanks to local reforms. She argued the National Guard should not be used for law enforcement, only for specific federal missions.
“Crime has gone down in our city and it has gone down precipitously,” Bowser said, crediting community-driven efforts.
Police Perspective
D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith said her department has worked closely with federal agencies and acknowledged mixed but sometimes helpful feedback from both officers and community members about the Guard’s presence.
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