Crowd rental company claims 400% surge in anti-Trump protest requests after federal takeover of DC police

WASHINGTON, DC: A crowd rental company has reported a 400% surge in inquiries for its services in Washington, DC, following President Donald Trump's move to federalize the city’s police force.

Crowds on Demand CEO Adam Swart told Fox News Digital that the company typically sees an uptick in requests during “high-stakes political moments.”

Crowds on Demand CEO Adam Swart says ‘vast majority’ of people at political events in DC are paid

“Right now, DC inquiries are up roughly 400% compared to the same period in 2024,” Swart said, referring to May–July of last year. “A large share are focused on opposing Trump’s policies in Washington and raising concerns about government overreach.”

Swart noted that the company is carefully weighing offers. “While it’s true DC’s local government has failed to keep citizens safe, there’s also a real danger in putting too much power in federal hands. That balance of power matters.”

He also claimed that the “vast majority” of attendees at political or advocacy events in DC are paid in some capacity.

“Most people don’t realize it, but many protesters are literally on the payroll,” Swart explained.

“Capitol Hill staffers from both parties are often expected to show up at rallies and protests in their own time. So yes, most attendees are being paid or are there because it’s part of their job. That doesn’t mean they don’t support the cause — but it does mean these crowds aren’t as ‘organic’ as they look on TV.”

On Monday, August 11, Trump announced that District of Columbia National Guard troops would be deployed to patrol the city’s streets and that the federal government would take control of the Metropolitan Police Department.

He cited unchecked violent crime as the reason, pointing to the August 3 carjacking of former Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) employee Edward Coristine and his girlfriend, in which Coristine was beaten and left bloodied.

Following the incident, Trump hinted at the takeover in a Truth Social post, claiming criminals in DC are unafraid of police because “nothing ever happens to them.”

“The most recent victim was beaten mercilessly by local thugs… Perhaps it should have been done a long time ago, then this incredible young man and so many others would not have gone through the horrors of violent crime. If this continues, I am going to exert my powers and FEDERALIZE this city. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!” Trump wrote.

Internet reacts as crowd rental company sees 400% spike in DC

Many online users found it bizarre that a crowd rental company experienced such a dramatic increase in business after Trump’s announcement.

An online comment read, "There’s a 'crowd rental company?!' Hahaha," while one added, "Rent-A-Protest..."

“If you can’t get real protesters into the street, pay people to play at protesting,” one user said. Another asked, “What’s the pay like? For the right amount, I’ll hang out for a bit.”

Others used the news to make political jabs. “More jobs credited to President Trump,” one wrote. Another remarked, “How can these even be considered protests? Sounds like a job. They should get taxed.”

“Trump helping the lower class get jobs. Everyone is winning!” a user quipped, while another added, “Unemployment is decreasing.”

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online