Residents of Washington, D.C. found themselves amidst a unique sight as National Guardsmen stood vigilant outside Union Station, their presence becoming a daily fixture in the bustling city.
Inside the station, a different kind of activity unfolded on Wednesday, drawing attention as Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth made a visit to express gratitude to the troops. However, their presence was overshadowed by a chorus of protesters who made their voices heard amid the commotion of the transportation hub.
Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller graced the occasion, engaging with the troops stationed at the building and offering them a simple gesture of appreciation in the form of burgers from Shake Shack.
Addressing the assembled National Guardsmen, Hegseth conveyed a message of solidarity, stating, “[To] the National Guard, the Defense Department is proud to be standing with you,” underscoring the importance of their service.
Meanwhile, in the midst of the activity, protesters and onlookers seized the moment to vocalize their dissent, chanting slogans such as “free DC” and expressing disapproval as the leaders interacted with the troops on the second floor.
Vance, in response to the dissenting voices, highlighted the role of the National Guard in maintaining order, attributing the decrease in crime to the Administration’s proactive measures. Reflecting on past experiences, he remarked, “I think you hear these guys outside here screaming at us… I’ll tell you what, a couple of years ago when I brought my kids here, they were being screamed at by violent vagrants. We’ve made it a place where people can walk around safely. They can bring their kids again.”
Despite the discordant notes of the protest below, Miller found optimism in the situation, expressing gratitude for the Guardsmen’s presence. He articulated a commitment to bolstering resources in the city to tackle criminal elements, inspired by the dedication of the troops.
The National Guardsmen have stood watch outside Union Station for nine days following President Trump’s directive to deploy troops to D.C. on August 11th, embodying a visible response to maintaining order and ensuring safety within the capital.
In conclusion, the intersection of gratitude, dissent, and determination converged at Union Station, underscoring the complex dynamics at play in the nation’s capital amidst heightened security measures.