Washington crowd jeers Vice President Vance.
In the heart of the District of Columbia (DC), a stronghold of the Democratic Party, the National Guard continues to maintain a presence, a move justified by the President as a response to an alleged security emergency.
The US capital has been host to the National Guard in the past, with the force falling under the President's command in the case of the District, due to its unique status. The current deployment has seen 800 troops stationed, with an additional 1200 reinforcing them from several states.
During a recent visit, US Vice President JD Vance praised the troops, referring to the protesters as a "group of crazy protesters." However, local residents have voiced their disapproval, with chants of "Free DC" and boos directed at Vance and Defense Minister Pete Hegseth.
The organizers of these protests remain unclear, with sources focusing on the deployment of the National Guard itself, its composition, political background, and official government actions.
Despite Vance's claims of a "terrible crime problem" and "one of the highest murder rates in the world," DC's crime rate has actually dropped to a 30-year low, according to Mayor Muriel Bowser. Local police statistics show a significant decrease in violent crimes between 2023 and 2024, after an increase during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Interestingly, Trump's attempt to appoint the head of the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as the new police chief was blocked by the courts. The current Police Chief, Pamela Smith, remains in office.
The troops are visible around the White House, on the Mall between the Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial, and in train stations and metro stations. Trump had previously mobilized the National Guard and special forces of the Marines in Los Angeles in June to end protests against his immigration policy.
It's important to note that the article does not provide any new information about Trump's justification for the deployment of troops in Washington. Nor does it mention any new protests or reactions from JD Vance or Defense Minister Pete Hegseth.
The National Guard's role in Washington continues to be a topic of discussion and debate, with the local community expressing their views through peaceful protests. As the situation evolves, updates will undoubtedly follow.
