September 10, 2025

Trump Dines at Joe’s Seafood Amid Protests

News Summary

President Trump visited Joe’s Seafood in Washington, D.C., his first local dining experience since taking office. His visit drew a mixed reception with supporters cheering while protesters demonstrated outside, chanting slogans against him. Inside, Trump claimed D.C. is now ‘crime-free’ due to his crackdown on crime, including deploying National Guard troops. White House Press Secretary praised the dining experience, while local restaurant owners expressed mixed feelings about Trump’s presence. Discussions continue about his administration’s policies on crime and safety.

Washington, D.C. – Trump Dines at Joe’s Seafood Amid Protests, Promoting Crackdown on D.C. Crime

President Donald Trump made a significant visit to Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday night, marking his first dining experience at a local restaurant since he took office. Accompanying him were Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and other administration officials as they enjoyed a meal of crab, shrimp, salad, steak, and dessert.

Trump’s arrival was met with a mixed reception, as cheers greeted him from supporters while protests assembled outside the venue. Demonstrators, significantly composed of activists from the group Code Pink, rallied with Palestinian flags and passionately chanted slogans including “Free D.C., free Palestine” and “Trump is the Hitler of our time.” Tensions rose when some protesters confronted Trump inside the restaurant; however, he opted not to engage with them verbally. As a precaution, the protesters were eventually escorted out.

During his time at the restaurant, Trump spoke with reporters and claimed that Washington, D.C. is now “crime-free,” which he attributed to his administration’s efforts to crackdown on crime. This crackdown has included deploying armed National Guard troops and increasing federal law enforcement presence. The president also hinted at announcing another operation aimed at enhancing safety in a different city soon, indicating a growing interest from state governors and mayors across the country.

Reactions and Context

After the dinner, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt praised the dining experience, stating the food and service were “phenomenal” and “fantastic.” Trump’s choice to dine locally comes after a noticeable decline in his previous outings to restaurants, as he typically preferred dining at the White House or his nearby golf club.

Comments from local restaurant owners further highlight the mixed sentiments surrounding Trump’s presence. For example, Rusciano, co-owner of the pizzeria Menomale, expressed that it is their duty to serve all customers, including the president, regardless of political belief. Nonetheless, Menomale faced backlash after congratulating Trump on winning the presidential election in November 2024, which prompted threats of boycotts from some patrons.

Despite Trump’s assertions that restaurant attendance in D.C. is on the rise following his actions, reports indicate some establishments continue to struggle with declining reservations. Additionally, the recent surge in federal law enforcement activity has drawn varying responses from local business owners and citizens alike.

Current Climate and Future Plans

Trump’s dinner outing takes place during ongoing discussions surrounding his administration’s contentious policies, particularly related to immigration enforcement in several Democratic-led cities. While asserting a sense of safety within D.C., he encouraged diners to enjoy their meals without the concern of being victims of crime.

Looking ahead, Trump is poised to share frameworks and strategies regarding further operations aimed at reducing crime in urban areas. His administration continues to advocate for measures perceived to improve safety, reflecting an ongoing debate surrounding law enforcement in urban environments.

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Additional Resources

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.

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