On Tuesday night, President Trump ventured just a short distance—one-tenth of a mile—from the gates of the White House for a dinner at Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab. His visit was intended to showcase the effectiveness of his federal crackdown on crime in the nation’s capital. However, he was quickly met with a wave of protesters who labeled him “the Hitler of our time.”
As Mr. Trump entered the restaurant, he was greeted by hecklers chanting phrases like “Free D.C.” and “Free Palestine.” Videos shared on social media captured the intensity of the moment, highlighting the deep-seated resentment many in Washington hold towards the president. "Trump is the Hitler of our time," the protesters exclaimed, emphasizing their discontent with his policies and leadership.
Initially, Mr. Trump intended to use this outing as a victory lap for his administration's claims of reducing crime in Washington D.C. “We’re standing right in the middle of D.C.,” he told reporters before heading into the restaurant. “This was one of the most unsafe cities in the country. Now it’s as safe as anywhere in the country.” These remarks, however, contradicted the ongoing protests and the president's unpopularity in the area.
The confrontation with protesters during this outing was a notable occurrence for Mr. Trump, as he has largely remained at the White House or his private clubs in Florida, Virginia, or New Jersey since taking office. Recently, he has shown a willingness to engage more with the public. Just days prior, he attended the men’s final of the U.S. Open in New York, where he faced both boos and cheers from the crowd. Looking ahead, he plans to attend a Yankees game on the anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks.
This dinner marked Mr. Trump’s first meal at a Washington restaurant since his return to the White House in January. During his first term, he frequently dined at the Trump International Hotel, located just down the street from the White House, which closed in 2022. On this occasion, he was accompanied by Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and other senior White House officials. According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, the group enjoyed a meal that included crab, shrimp, salad, steak, and dessert. “The food was phenomenal and the service was fantastic,” she remarked.
In a bid to combat crime, Mr. Trump deployed the National Guard to Washington last month. This decision came despite reports indicating that crime rates had been declining in the city. The White House has actively promoted the number of arrests made since Mr. Trump declared a crime emergency, although many of these arrests were for minor offenses. Notably, the U.S. attorney’s office in Washington has downgraded or dismissed several cases due to the inability to secure indictments from grand juries.
In conclusion, President Trump's recent dinner outing serves as a microcosm of the polarized atmosphere in Washington D.C. As he attempts to assert his narrative of safety and order, the backlash from protesters illustrates the significant opposition he faces within the capital.
