President Trump has drawn attention to the actions of Democrats who he claims are financing protests against his efforts to restore order in Washington, D.C. “These are criminals who support crime,” he declared, marking their opposition as a sign of their unelectability. This statement came alongside his announcement of plans to federalize the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department and deploy National Guard troops to address the public safety emergency in the nation’s capital.
During a press briefing on Monday, Trump confirmed the executive actions he had taken, including an order that allows for the federalization of the police department under the DC Home Rule Act. This step requires presidential notification to local authorities if federal control lasts longer than forty-eight hours. By sending requisite letters to the mayor and congressional committees, Trump ensured he followed legal protocols in escalating federal involvement in local law enforcement.
Adding weight to Trump’s claims, Adam Swart, CEO of Crowds on Demand, disclosed a drastic increase in demand for paid protestors. He noted that requests for recruited demonstrators surged by 400% from May to July 2025 compared to the previous year. Crowds on Demand has built a reputation as the leading protest organization in the country, often helping causes that can draw substantial public support. Swart remarked, “We’re probably best known for political advocacy group publicity,” illustrating how paid demonstrations have become a facet of modern activism.
However, Swart also voiced concerns about the potential for violence among protestors, leading him to reject a lucrative $20 million offer to provide paid participants for nationwide anti-Trump demonstrations. “I just don’t think it’s effective,” he said, stressing a reluctance to engage in actions that could tarnish his company’s reputation.
In response to the ongoing situation, President Trump reiterated his focus on crime, stating unequivocally that Democrats’ actions indicate they are out of touch with the realities of public safety. “They are criminals who support crime,” he asserted, underscoring his commitment to combatting what he perceives as a degradation of law and order in the capital. The president’s assertions and the activities surrounding the protests reflect a continued confrontation between his administration’s approach to governance and the strategies employed by his political adversaries.
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