News Summary
A protest erupted at Howard University as students and activists demonstrated against the National Guard’s deployment in Washington, D.C. The gathering involved chants advocating for civil liberties and public safety, reflecting mixed sentiments on the military’s presence in the city. Coinciding with President Trump’s visit to a local restaurant, the protests have highlighted ongoing discussions about federal law enforcement’s role and the community’s feelings of safety. Activists expressed their concerns over military occupation and urged for reassessment of safety approaches by local and federal authorities.
Washington, D.C. – Protests erupted on September 9, 2025, as approximately 100 students and activists gathered at Howard University to demonstrate against the deployment of the National Guard in the nation’s capital. The protest was part of a broader movement, with similar demonstrations taking place at other universities in Washington, D.C., including George Washington University and American University.
The protest at Howard spanned about an hour and was marked by chants such as “Free D.C.” and “Free Howard.” These chants echoed the community’s sentiments regarding military presence in the city and its potential effects on civil liberties and public safety. Activist Funmilayo Coates articulated concerns about military occupation and its implications for everyday freedoms.
Among the participants, freshman Landon Sirls remarked on the mixed perceptions of safety resulting from the National Guard’s presence, noting a decrease in crime while questioning whether this approach truly fostered safety or merely intensified military presence. Senior Kai’lin Merriweather emphasized the need for unity among students in the fight against what they view as the administration’s indifference to their issues.
The protests coincided with President Trump’s visit to Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab in Washington, D.C., marking his first dining experience out in the capital since his inauguration. Accompanying the President were several high-profile officials, including Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. As Trump entered the restaurant, he encountered applause alongside a few chants, some of which included calls for “free Palestine.”
Inside the restaurant, a group of protesters continued to chant “Free D.C., free Palestine, Trump is the Hitler of our time.” The demonstration was notably organized by the activist group Code Pink, which took responsibility for the disruption of Trump’s dinner. As tensions rose, Trump was seen gesturing toward the protesters to leave as they were escorted out but continued their chants.
Before starting his meal, Trump asserted that crime rates in Washington, D.C., had significantly decreased due to his administration’s aggressive stance against crime. He added that he intended to announce similar measures aimed at curbing crime in other cities shortly. The White House Press Secretary reported that Trump’s dinner consisted of various dishes, including crab, shrimp, steak, salad, and dessert, and characterized the service as exceptional.
In an indication of public sentiment, Erika Polmar of the Independent Restaurant Coalition commended the President’s decision to dine in D.C., suggesting a potential boost for local businesses. Trump also mentioned that he had not dined out in the capital before this occasion, as he had prioritized eating at the White House during his presidency.
The protests and Trump’s restaurant outing unfolded against a backdrop of national conversations surrounding the role of federal law enforcement and military presence in urban environments. Many in the D.C. area remain divided on these issues, with half expressing a sense of safety due to the National Guard while others voice fears of a militarized response to public safety concerns.
The events of the day highlight the ongoing tension and juxtaposition between government actions and public sentiment, as student activists maintain pressure on local and federal authorities to reassess their approach to safety and civil liberties in the District of Columbia.
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Additional Resources
- WTOP: College Students Protest Trump Administration
- Wikipedia: Protests in the United States
- NBC News: Protesters Disrupt Trump’s Dinner
- Google Search: Trump DC protests
- The Guardian: Pro-Palestinian Protesters Interrupt Trump Dinner
- Google Scholar: Trump administration protests
- CNN: Trump Dines in DC
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Donald Trump
- Times of India: Trump Faces Protests at Dinner
- Google News: National Guard protests Washington DC
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and regional news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
