Trump Touts Federal Crackdown on Crime at Rare D.C. Restaurant Visit

President Trump made a rare visit to a Washington D.C. restaurant on Tuesday night, where he touted his administration's federal crackdown on crime. According to eyewitnesses, the president arrived at Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak Stone Crab, accompanied by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Vice President Vance. The Miami-based chain has a long history of attracting celebrity patrons, including Trump himself, who visited its Florida location in the 1990s. The timing of Trump's dinner outing is significant, as it comes exactly one month after he declared that his administration would take control of the D.C. police department. That control is set to expire tonight, and it remains unclear what will happen next. "I think it's a symbolic gesture," said Dr. Marc Schneier, a professor at Yeshiva University who has studied Trump's relationship with law enforcement. "The president wants to show that he's committed to public safety, but the reality is that his policies have been criticized by experts and community leaders." Trump's visit to Joe's Seafood was met with heckles and protests from some patrons, who held signs reading "End Police Brutality" and "Defund the Police." The scene was a stark contrast to the usual upscale atmosphere of the restaurant. The president's dinner came as his administration faces growing criticism over its handling of crime in Washington D.C. Critics argue that Trump's policies have led to increased tensions between law enforcement and the community, while others say they are necessary to combat rising crime rates. "We need to take a comprehensive approach to addressing crime in our city," said Councilmember Charles Allen, who represents Ward 6 on the D.C. City Council. "That means investing in community programs, improving police training, and working with local law enforcement agencies to build trust." The future of Trump's federal crackdown on crime remains uncertain, as his administration's control of the D.C. police department is set to expire tonight. It is unclear whether Congress will extend or modify the agreement. In a statement released earlier this week, White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany said that the president "remains committed to keeping our communities safe" and that his administration would continue to work with local law enforcement agencies to address crime in Washington D.C. As the clock ticks down on Trump's control of the D.C. police department, one thing is clear: the debate over how to combat crime in America's capital city will only continue to intensify. *Reporting by Npr.*