Photo: Alamy
President Donald Trump made an unannounced trip Tuesday night to a Washington seafood restaurant, using the outing to highlight his administration’s recent federal crackdown on crime in the nation’s capital.
The dinner stop at Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab, a popular spot just a block from the White House, was not listed on the president’s public schedule or announced in advance.
Trump last month declared a crime emergency in Washington, ordered a federal takeover of the city and its Metropolitan Police Department, and deployed hundreds of National Guard troops throughout the district.
The president was joined for the meal by Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. Reporters and bystanders spotted the group entering the restaurant.
“It’s a safe city and I just want to thank the National Guard,” Trump told cameras outside the restaurant. “The outcome is really spectacular.”
Trump also addressed those dining in the restaurant with encouraging words. “We have a SAFE city! Enjoy yourselves — you won’t be mugged going home. Have a good time, everybody. Don’t drink too much!”
The appearance followed remarks the president made last week, suggesting he was considering dining out in the district for the first time in months.
“I think it’s something we could consider doing. Love to do it,” Trump said, according to the Associated Press. “I love the White House food, but after a while, I could see going to a nice restaurant. It’s safe.”
The president’s unexpected visit was quickly circulated on social media, where supporters pointed to it as evidence of improved security in the city. Trump’s actions come shortly after he proclaimed Washington, D.C., a “crime-free zone” after initiating a sweeping federal law enforcement intervention in the capital.
Posting on Truth Social Sunday, Trump declared: “DC IS NOW A CRIME FREE ZONE, IN JUST 12 DAYS!!! President DJT.” He accompanied the announcement with an update on arrests and the seizure of firearms.
The federal operation follows Trump’s invocation of emergency powers in August, placing the Metropolitan Police Department under federal control, deploying National Guard troops and augmenting them with agents from multiple federal agencies. The administration credits the move with reducing violent crime, though local officials had already reported declines earlier in the year.
In total, about 2,000 National Guard troops have been deployed, armed as part of the operation. The strategy, backed by Republican governors, involves collaboration across federal and local law enforcement.