Protests Erupt in DC as Trump Announces Federal Takeover of Police, National Guard Deployment

August 11, 2025 – Washington, DC: Two separate protests were held in the capital on Monday, both opposing recent actions by President Donald Trump’s administration, including the planned removal of homeless residents, ongoing ICE raids, prosecution of teens as adults, and the deployment of National Guard troops in the city.

Morning protest – “Free DC”, started around 10 a.m., the Free DC coalition gathered across from the White House singing, holding speeches and chanting.

The rally coincided with Trump’s remarks at the White House, where he confirmed plans to take temporary federal control of the Metropolitan Police Department under a section of the D.C. Home Rule Act and to deploy about 800 National Guard troops, with 100–200 expected to be active at a time.

Roughly 200 people attended, holding signs and chanting slogans such as “When Black youth is under attack, stand up, fight back” and “DC is our home, you can’t have it Trump.”

At about 5 p.m., a separate demonstration organized by Refuse Fascism began at Dupont Circle. Marchers carried banners, including one reading “Trump Must Go Now,” and chanted against what they called a “fascist takeover” of the capital. The group marched through nearby streets, blocking traffic.