Trump accuses Dems of paying protesters as National Guard deployed in DC: 'Criminals who support crime'

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump has accused Democrats of paying protesters opposing his aggressive law-and-order push, but has provided no evidence to support the claim.

The protests erupted after Trump deployed 800 National Guard members to Washington, DC, and federalized the city’s police force despite falling crime rates.

Trump claims Democrats are funding protests without proof

In a Truth Social post on Friday, August 15, while en route to Alaska aboard Air Force One, Trump wrote, “It’s just been found that the Democrats are buying protesters in order to fight my attack on crime. These are criminals who support crime. They are unelectable!”

The protests he referenced began earlier this week near the White House and across the city, as residents pushed back against what they describe as an “occupation” by federal law enforcement.

Trump has defended the security surge by citing 2023 statistics, even as the Metropolitan Police Department reports that violent crime is down 35% in 2024.

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

Meanwhile, 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, Meaww reported.

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

“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.”

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.”

Users echo Trump’s claim protesters are ‘paid,’ call for audits of Soros-linked groups

Online reactions to Trump’s claim that Democrats are paying protesters opposing his law-and-order measures were swift and sharply divided.

One user said, "Yes Soros funded group is paying them to protest."

Another wrote, "Wow imagine that criminals protesting a Crackdown ordered by Donald Trump to arrest criminals. It takes a f**** brain surgeon to figure out that of course criminals would oppose this geez you guys have to rethink your messaging."

A commenter added, "All phony. The democrats ain’t ready to be real."

Another user remarked, "Imagine having a cause so stupid that you need to pay people to support it.."

One more post read, "The funding sources of Soros and all NGOs need to be audited."

Heavy police presence sparks clashes and criticism

Federal agents and local police stationed at key checkpoints have been issuing tickets for seatbelt and taillight violations, angering protesters who argue these measures have little to do with violent crime.

One demonstrator was arrested for throwing a ham-and-cheese sandwich at officers.

Republican strategist Amanda Carpenter criticized the show of force, saying, “We were told they’re going to stop violent crime. That’s not violent crime, right? … They’re strolling around the national monuments and the streets of Georgetown to have a big show of force. It’s just like the military parade that Donald Trump wanted.”

Federalization of DC police fuels broader concerns

The president’s decision to call in the National Guard has raised alarms about potential crackdowns in other major cities. Trump has warned that New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, Baltimore, and Oakland could face similar federal takeovers.

During a Fox News interview, border czar Tom Homan claimed that Washington’s sanctuary city protections were “practically null and void,” though Trump’s directive does not override city laws.

Trump shifted his focus to Washington after 19-year-old DOGE staffer Edward Coristine, known as “Big Balls,” was attacked by two 15-year-olds who stole his phone.

The assault was cited by the president as proof of a “crime-riddled hellscape,” despite city data showing a significant decline in crime. Large crowds have continued to protest the heightened federal presence throughout the week.

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