“Free DC” Thousands Flood D.C. Streets as Protesters March to White House and Confront National Guard
August 16 2025 WASHINGTON, DC – Thousands Flood D.C. Streets as Protesters Confront National Guard
Protesters gathered in Dupont Circle before marching in the thousands toward the White House. Along the way, they carried signs and chanted “Trump must go!” and “Free D.C.!”
The march continued to the National Mall, where demonstrators confronted National Guard troops positioned in the area. Protesters shouted “Go home!” at the soldiers, surrounding their vehicles and demanding they leave. Signs reading “F*** Trump” were visible in the crowd as people chanted and waved banners.
The demonstration then moved back in front of the White House. There, one protester lifted a baguette over his head, drawing laughter and cheers from others. The gesture referenced the now well-known “Sandwich Guy,” who was arrested after throwing a sandwich at a federal officer earlier in the week.
Later that night, a smaller but very vocal protest formed outside Union Station. Demonstrators gathered to confront National Guard troops stationed at the transit hub. Protesters shouted “Reject your orders!” and “Traitors!” as convoys of vehicles prepared to leave.
Though the crowd was smaller than earlier in the day, it was loud and confrontational, with some protesters facing off and attempting to block National Guard from leaving to presumably patrol.
President Trump ordered the federalization of the D.C. Metropolitan Police and brought in Guard units from multiple states.
Local officials, including Mayor Muriel Bowser, criticized the move as politically motivated and unnecessary.
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