Washington, D.C., has witnessed a dramatic increase in crowd rental inquiries, with Crowds on Demand reporting a 400% surge from May to July 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. This surge coincides with President Donald Trump’s announcement to federalize the Metropolitan Police Department, a measure he claims is necessary to combat rising violent crime. The CEO of Crowds on Demand, Adam Swart, attributes the spike to the heightened political climate and concerns about public safety. Trump’s plan has ignited a debate over the balance of power between federal and local authorities, with critics warning of potential overreach. The move follows a series of violent incidents, including an attempted carjacking of a former Department of Government Efficiency staffer, which Trump used to justify his decision.
Swart highlighted that while the political climate in D.C. has always been charged, the current situation is particularly volatile. He emphasized that the majority of attendees at political or advocacy events are paid, often as part of their job, rather than being organic supporters. This revelation has prompted discussions about the authenticity of public demonstrations. The CEO also warned that while local authorities have struggled with crime, giving too much power to the federal government could lead to its own set of risks.