Restaurants in D.C. See a Significant Decline in Business Following Trump’s Crime Crackdown
A Wall Is Hit by a D.C. Dining Out While Trump Sends in Federal Forces
Following Donald Trump’s exercise of federal authority over the city’s crime problem, Washington, D.C., is suffering the effects both politically and economically. He made news last Monday when he took over the city’s police force and deployed the National Guard to patrol the streets.
Although the goal of that action may have been to increase public safety, it is having the unexpected consequence of making individuals stay at home.
Data from OpenTable shows that seated diners at restaurants in D.C. began to disappear virtually immediately. Compared to the same period last year, restaurant reservations fell 16% on that Monday. It was down a whopping 31% by Wednesday. Reservations were down 20% on Saturday, despite a slight improvement.
People in the area haven’t been silent about their emotions. There have been protests around the city, particularly in the northwest neighborhoods. On Wednesday, protesters who were not amenable to the abrupt police takeover greeted federal officers with signs and yells.
A resurgent drive for D.C. statehood is also being fueled by the issue. Many locals believe they have no real voice in choices like these because they are not represented in Congress and cannot vote.
