Protesters criticized as Vance visits National Guard at Union Station
Vice President JD Vance's lunch at Union Station's Shake Shack was disrupted by a group of protesters on Wednesday. The event, which was also attended by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, was met with opposition from a number of residents and local activists.
According to reports, Vance argued that Union Station had been taken over by "drug addicts," "vagrants," and the "chronically homeless" in recent years. However, his claims were met with skepticism by DC residents, with roughly eight in 10 opposing Trump's deployment of the National Guard and FBI in the city.
A college student at Union Station, who asked not to be named, found the National Guard presence overwhelming. Outside Union Station, a second, smaller group of protesters gathered near parked National Guard tanks, chanting "shame," "this is our city," and "we want the military out of our streets."
One sign carried by the protesters read, "Criminals out of DC? Start with the Epstein files." The protesters' chants were a clear message of disapproval towards the Trump administration's decision to take over DC's police department.
Democrats and DC officials have questioned why the Trump administration is taking over DC now, given that local crime numbers have decreased over previous years. Two sources have told CNN that the Justice Department is investigating whether Washington, DC's Metropolitan Police Department manipulated crime data.
Vance's interaction with the protesters was brief but heated. As Vance wrapped up his lunch, one man booed, to which Vance responded, "I heard you buddy," and attempted to brush off the moment. Vance and his companions were also met with disapproval from a customer named Jay Swanson, who expressed his disapproval of Vance's presence, stating it was "disgusting" and ruined his appetite.
Vance's comments about the desire of DC residents for better public safety were also met with criticism. He argued that the presence of the National Guard could make Union Station a safer and more enjoyable place if politicians prioritized public safety over violent criminals. However, his dismissal of these figures, expressing skepticism about the desire of DC residents for better public safety, did not sit well with many residents.
The National Guard members at Shake Shack on Wednesday hail from six red states: South Carolina, West Virginia, Ohio, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Tennessee. The presence of these troops in DC has been a contentious issue, with many residents feeling that their presence is not for improving public safety, but to help Trump stay in office past his term, as suggested by some protesters.
This story has been updated with additional reporting. The party affiliation of Jay Swanson, who performed at Union Station and protested against Vice President JD Vance's presence, is not known at this time. Vance and his companions referred to the protesters as "crazy" and "communists," while Miller called them "elderly white hippies."
As the situation in DC continues to evolve, it is clear that the presence of the National Guard and the Trump administration's decision to take over DC's police department is a divisive issue. The protests at Union Station are a testament to the strong feelings held by many DC residents about this matter.
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