Washington, D.C. — Vice President JD Vance and White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller have faced backlash for their sharp criticism of protesters against President Donald Trump’s crime crackdown in Washington, D.C., during a public appearance at Union Station on Wednesday. Vance and Miller described the demonstrators as ‘crazy communists’ and ‘stupid White hippies,’ sparking outrage among critics who viewed their comments as inflammatory and racially charged. The incident has intensified discussions about the administration’s approach to public safety and the role of protests in shaping policy.
Vance, who was joined by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at the event, highlighted a significant reduction in violent crime in the nation’s capital, citing a 35% drop in crime since the Trump administration launched its crackdown. He credited the increased presence of law enforcement and the National Guard for the improved safety conditions, while also addressing concerns about homelessness and public order in the area. ‘We’ve traded some violent, crazy people who are screaming at kids with a few crazy liberals who are screaming at the vice president,’ Vance said, framing the policy shift as a necessary trade-off for public safety.
Miller, however, took a more direct approach, characterizing the protesters as ‘elderly’ and ‘over 90 years old,’ and accusing them of supporting the ‘1%’ of D.C.’s population who he claimed were responsible for the city’s lawlessness. ‘For too long, 99% of this city has been terrorized by 1% of this city,’ he said. ‘The voices that you hear out there, these crazy communists, they have no connection to the city. They have no families. They weren’t raised in this city. They have no jobs in this city.’ His remarks have drawn criticism for their perceived lack of nuance and for potentially exacerbating tensions between law enforcement and the public.
The Trump administration’s crackdown has already led to hundreds of arrests, with the most recent figures showing 52 people, including 28 illegal immigrants, were detained in a single day. Federal teams have also been clearing homeless encampments, with officials stating that these actions were carried out without incidents or arrests. The operation, which began in August under a task force created by Trump in March, has been a significant step in the administration’s efforts to restore order in the capital city.
Analysts have speculated that the administration’s focus on crime and public safety is a strategic move to bolster support ahead of upcoming elections, particularly in a city that has long struggled with issues of violence and disorder. However, critics argue that the approach has been too heavy-handed and that the administration’s rhetoric has deepened divisions between different communities in the city.