WASHINGTON — Republican lawmakers were met with anger on their first day back to Capitol Hill as they sought to tout President Donald Trump’s crackdown on crime in Washington, D.C. — while facing opposition from residents living in the city.
The Republican Study Committee, self-described as “the conservative caucus” of the party in the House, held its first press conference on Tuesday afternoon just outside the steps of the U.S. Capitol. Lawmakers gathered together holding signs that read “Make DC Safe And Great Again” and spoke of personal ties to crimes that have occurred in the nation’s capital.
But right behind the troupe of lawmakers — and in view of the cameras streaming their remarks — were dozens of protesters holding signs directly opposing their message.
“Free DC!” one sign read. Others demanded the release of the Epstein files. At least one called for the removal of Trump from office.
Republicans defended Trump’s actions so far to deploy hundreds of National Guard soldiers to the city, citing statistics that show specific crimes such as carjacking and robbery are down.
“Unfortunately, we’re having to turn our attention in Congress on doing what the District of Columbia, its mayor and their leadership should have done long ago,” RSC Chairman August Pfluger, R-Texas, told reporters. “And that’s to keep the city safe.”
As he continued his remarks, a protester cut in: “It’s always been safe!”
The protester continued, “You’re making up a fake emergency!”
Capitol Police officers were quick to respond and took the man into custody.
Moments later, Rep. Brad Knott, R-N.C., expressed support for the soldiers in D.C., noting he has spoken to several of them and is “astounded” at what they’ve encountered.
“The amount of contraband, the number of dangerous people, whether it’s drugs, whether it’s gangs, whether it’s illegal firearms, whether it’s human trafficking, whether it’s South American cartels — you name it, it’s right here in Washington, D.C.”
Knott was then interrupted by another protester who cried out: “Yeah, it’s in the White House!”
“Free D.C.,” she cried as she was carried away by police officers. “D.C. is a great city!”
Both protesters were arrested on charges of disorderly conduct, a spokesperson for the U.S. Capitol Police confirmed to the Deseret News.
As Republicans concluded the press conference, they were met with loud boos and chants of “Shame!” Most lawmakers left without taking extensive questions about the crowd opposition, and the Deseret News did not receive responses from contacted lawmakers.
The criticism comes as Trump has touted his newly enforced policies in Washington, telling reporters on Tuesday there is now “no crime.” More than 200 arrests were conducted over the holiday weekend, according to Attorney General Pam Bondi, totaling nearly 1,700 arrests since soldiers were first deployed.
“D.C. is now a safe zone,” Trump said. “It’s in such great shape, you can go and actually walk with your children, your wife, your husband, you can walk right down the middle of the street, you’re not going to be shot.”
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser similarly cited lower crime statistics, even going so far as to thank Trump in a press conference last week for his help to lower violent crime incidents.
The emergency order through which Trump deployed National Guard soldiers to the district is set to expire next week, and would require Congress to approve an extension if the president wants to continue federal control. Meanwhile, Trump has said that he will send National Guard troops to other cities such as Chicago to carry out similar efforts.