The Perils and Absurdities of Trump's DC Occupation
thenation.com -- Friday, August 15, 2025, 4:59:10 PM Eastern Daylight Time
Categories: Media Coverage & Press Relations, Democratic Party Responses, Presidential Campaigns
It was 8 pm, humid, and I was by myself, across the street from where my kids went to elementary school, banging a large metal spoon against a pot. I was alone, because I had gotten the address wrong for a pots-and-pans demonstration against Donald Trump's military occupation of Washington, DC. What I missed was a cacophonous community protest, one of many across parts of the DMV (DC, Maryland, and Virginia). After living in DC, I am now a five-minute walk across the border in Maryland. But my family works in DC, my neighbors (those who haven't yet been laid off) work in DC, and our lives are wrapped up in a town suffering under another Big Lie.
As absurd as I felt doing a pots-and-pans solo performance while families looked at me quizzically, this now feels appropriate. It was no more absurd than proclaiming a crime epidemic in a city where crime has fallen significantly since 2003. It was no more absurd than being lectured about law and order by Justice Department officials covering up a child-sex ring that seems to involve their boss. It was no more absurd than a white, middle-aged Justice Department employee named Sean Dunn becoming a folk hero (no pun intended) for calling one of Trump's troops a "fascist," chucking a messy sandwich at close range into his chest, and then outrunning them in boat shoes. It was no more absurd than hearing Attorney General Pam Bondi, with her cross necklace big enough for an impromptu crucifixion, say that the sandwich guy with boat shoes is part of the "deep state" that she's been tirelessly fighting.
It was no more absurd than the fact that the city's Reichstag Fire was sparked by the alleged assault of an Elon Musk acolyte known as "Big Balls" by kids as young as 12 years old. It was no more absurd than seeing White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt being asked by white-supremacist gadfly, Russian stooge, and plagiarist Benny Johnson in an official White House press briefing if Big Balls would be getting the Presidential Medal of Freedom. It was no more absurd than hearing these oh-so-manly Republicans line up to say how scared they are to go work in the morning. Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin, a brutish dolt who challenges liberal congressional witnesses to fistfights, said he doesn't buckle his seatbelt in DC out of fear he'll be carjacked. Representative Tim Burchett said he sleeps in his office, terrified of the city outside.
Whether they are making themselves laughingstocks to prove their loyalty to Trump or because they actually live with this fear, I cannot imagine admitting such things publicly. They are fine with their kids thinking that Dad, in the most heavily policed part of the United States, is scared to leave his office. A cornerstone of white conservatism in 2025 is howling about the death of American "manhood" and extolling the virtue of the gun -- all while confessing to being a coward.
Trump says from the safety of the freshly paved-over Rose Garden, where his UFC ring will likely go, that we have "caravans of youth rampaging through city streets at all times of the day." (Note the use of "caravan," a descriptor usually saved for immigrants trying to cross the border. It's Klan Mad Libs.)
Please listen to me: I am out here every day, and there are no "caravans of youth" looking to carjack Oklahoma senators with manhood issues. Instead, Trump is trying to nationalize what he did to the Central Park 5 and, just like with the Central Park 5, it's a divisive lie. This is one more Big Lie, facilitated by Fox News, that Trump's supporters need to believe. They crave for Trump to be their white knight, which is why he is desperate that they not reckon with his time on Epstein's island. Trump needs to distract them, and he needs to suppress democratic revolt against a failing, increasingly unpopular agenda -- and this move does both.
This is not about street crime. This is about the president's public desire to militarily occupy cities in states with Democratic governors, put a final stake in the heart of democratic norms, and, most critically, do it all on fictitious terms. The key is to make people accept the lies so they become complicit. Crime-rate drops are irrelevant. Murder rates in red states are irrelevant. When you choose to believe the lie, then you find yourself defending it. When you defend it, you become a part of the harm it does. Trump getting people to believe what is untrue is the political version of getting more prints on the handle of a gun.
DC is the perfect testing ground for this coup, because it doesn't have statehood and only limited home rule. As longtime DC civil rights leader the Rev. Graylan Hagler told me, "We were already occupied by law enforcement making DC one of the most police-occupied cities in the country, with Capitol police, park police, transportation police, the FBI, the DEA, and the list goes on, and many of those agencies additionally having separate police departments of their own. Only the MPD [The Metropolitan Police Department] was under local control, and that no longer exists. With the National Guard on the streets and all local empowerment gone, we are a city and people living under martial law."
This is why civil rights leaders like Reverend Hagler have long advocated for DC statehood: Because without it, DC residents are GOP prey. From charter schools to mandatory drug laws, a GOP-controlled Congress always treats DC as its own political laboratory. This is the end result: A federal tyrant running the city without any accountability. Banners hang from overpasses now with a tweak on the longtime slogan of both 1776 and the DC statehood movement: "No Occupation Without Representation."
That occupation involves checkpoints, ICE raids, the terrorizing of unhoused people, and Washington Post interactive neighborhood maps so you can watch the seizure of the nation's capital from the comfort of your couch. National Democrats and centrists have never taken the DC statehood movement seriously. The price for that will be paid well beyond the district's borders.
Sign Our PetitionThe article about the ongoing political climate in Washington, D.C. under Trump's influence serves as a vivid illustration of the absurdities and contradictions present in contemporary American conservatism. It highlights the dissonance between the reality of crime rates in the capital and the hyperbolic narratives perpetuated by the right-wing, who often invoke fear to rally their base. This phenomenon is not new; rather, it draws parallels to historical moments when political figures have manipulated public perception to maintain power, often using fear as a tool. The current situation recalls the Red Scare of the 1950s, wherein fear of communism was weaponized against dissenting voices, stifling legitimate discourse and dissent. Understanding these historical contexts is vital in framing the current political landscape, where the narratives of danger and victimhood are wielded by those in power.
The article recounts a personal experience of protest against the backdrop of this political absurdity, encapsulating the disillusionment and isolation felt by individuals who challenge the status quo. The protagonist's solo pots-and-pans demonstration, while seemingly absurd, resonates with a long tradition of grassroots activism that has often been marginalized or ridiculed by those in power. From the civil rights movement to modern environmental protests, the act of making noise—literal or metaphorical—has been a crucial means of drawing attention to injustices. In the face of a right-wing establishment that dismisses genuine concerns about systemic inequities, it is essential for progressive voices to continue to make themselves heard, even if it means standing alone at times. This solitary effort reflects a deeper commitment to social justice that transcends mere political allegiance.
Moreover, the article critiques the hypocrisy of figures like Attorney General Pam Bondi and various Republican representatives who project an image of strength while simultaneously expressing fear and cowardice. This duality underscores a fundamental contradiction in the conservative narrative—one that equates masculinity with violence and aggression, yet reveals a profound vulnerability when faced with the realities of urban life. Such contradictions have historical roots in the construction of masculinity, where the ideal of the rugged, self-reliant man often masks deeper fears and insecurities. This juxtaposition becomes a talking point for progressive movements advocating for a more inclusive and authentic representation of masculinity that embraces vulnerability rather than shunning it. By exposing this hypocrisy, left-leaning advocates can engage in meaningful dialogues about what it means to be "manly" in contemporary society, challenging outdated stereotypes.
The article also touches on the fallout from the so-called "Reichstag Fire" incident, drawing an analogy to how political crises are manipulated to serve broader agendas. This reference to the historical event in Germany, where a fire was used as a pretext to curtail civil liberties and consolidate power, invites critical reflection on how contemporary political rhetoric can also be a smoke screen for more nefarious objectives. By framing dissenters as threats to national security, the current administration can justify repressive measures and divert attention from pressing issues such as economic inequality, healthcare access, and systemic racism. In this context, it is crucial to remain vigilant and question the narratives being presented, recognizing that fear is often used as a weapon to undermine democracy and civil rights.
Finally, the absurdity of the situation in D.C. serves as a reminder of the importance of community and solidarity in the face of political turmoil. The protagonist’s experience, while solitary, ultimately reflects a broader collective yearning for change and justice. Grassroots movements, even those that begin with a lone voice, can spark larger conversations and mobilize communities toward collective action. Engaging in discussions about the absurdities of political narratives, whether it be through humor, protest, or direct confrontation, can foster resilience among those who seek to challenge the status quo. As we continue to navigate these complex social struggles, it is crucial to emphasize the power of community action, reminding individuals that they are not alone in their fight for justice and equity. Through solidarity and shared action, the absurdities of the current political landscape can be transformed into momentum for meaningful change.
The recent developments surrounding Donald Trump's tumultuous presence in Washington, D.C., reflect a broader narrative about the intersection of fear, absurdity, and power in American politics. As we witness a cacophony of protests, such as the pots-and-pans demonstration described by the author, it becomes evident that the discourse surrounding Trump’s administration has morphed into a surreal performance, where truth is often overshadowed by theatrics and hyperbole. This situation poses a challenge not only to our collective sense of reality but also to the very fabric of democracy. The absurdity of the narratives pushed by certain political figures, from crime statistics to personal anecdotes of fear, reveals a strategy aimed at consolidating power through the manipulation of public perception.
Historically, the rise of authoritarianism in democracies is often accompanied by the vilification of opposition voices and a culture of fear. The term “Reichstag Fire,” referencing the infamous event that enabled Hitler’s consolidation of power, is not used lightly; it suggests that the current political climate is fraught with the potential for exploitation by those in power. By creating a narrative steeped in fear—whether it be of crime, the “deep state,” or the purported threats posed by urban environments—politicians like Trump and his allies tap into the anxieties of their base. This phenomenon is not new. Throughout history, political figures have utilized fear to manipulate public opinion, divert attention from pressing issues, and justify increasingly authoritarian measures.
As Americans, we must grapple with the question of what actions we can take in response to this alarming trend. Community engagement is essential; grassroots movements play a crucial role in counteracting narratives that seek to sow division and fear. Demonstrations like the pots-and-pans protest are symbolic acts of resistance that remind us of the power of collective action. They serve not only to express dissent but also to foster a sense of community and solidarity among those who oppose the degradation of democratic norms. Encouraging more such actions, whether through organized protests, town hall meetings, or community dialogues, can elevate the voices of those who seek a more equitable society, while challenging the absurdities propagated by those in power.
Additionally, education is a critical tool in combating the misinformation that permeates political discourse. As citizens, we have a responsibility to engage in critical thinking and to seek out credible sources of information. Historical context is vital; understanding the patterns of manipulation used by authoritarian leaders can empower individuals to recognize similar tactics in contemporary politics. Educational initiatives that promote media literacy, historical awareness, and civic engagement can arm citizens with the knowledge needed to resist the allure of sensationalism and fear-mongering. This is especially important in an era where misinformation spreads rapidly through social media, distorting public perceptions and undermining democratic processes.
Moreover, fostering open dialogues across ideological divides is crucial. While it may be tempting to dismiss right-wing narratives as mere absurdities, engaging in conversations that highlight the factual inaccuracies and emotional manipulation at play can be enlightening for both sides. Instead of demonizing those who hold opposing views, we can create opportunities for mutual understanding and constructive discourse. By framing discussions around shared values, such as safety, community, and the desire for a better future, we can challenge the prevailing narratives without alienating those who might be swayed by fear.
In conclusion, as we navigate the complexities of contemporary politics, it is essential to acknowledge the absurdities that have become emblematic of the Trump era. By collectively engaging in acts of protest, fostering education and media literacy, and encouraging open dialogue, we can counteract the fear-driven narratives that seek to undermine our democratic institutions. It is imperative that we remain vigilant, not only in our efforts to resist the absurd but also in our commitment to a just and equitable society, where truth and empathy prevail over manipulation and division.
The article highlights the absurdity of the political climate, particularly the rhetoric around crime and safety in Washington, D.C., during Trump's presidency. It illustrates how exaggerated fears and misinformation have been used to manipulate public perception and further a political agenda. With that context in mind, here are some actionable ideas for individuals who want to make a difference in their communities and push back against this narrative:
### What Can We Personally Do About This?
1. **Engage in Local Advocacy**: - Join or form community groups that focus on educating others about the realities of crime and safety in your area. - Host discussion forums or town halls to bring awareness to the misinformation and discuss factual crime statistics.
2. **Participate in Protests and Demonstrations**: - Organize or participate in peaceful protests, much like the pots-and-pans demonstration referenced in the article, to raise awareness about the issues at hand. - Use creative methods (art, music, performance) to draw attention to the cause.
3. **Support Independent Media**: - Subscribe to and promote independent news sources that provide fact-based reporting on political issues. - Share articles and information on social media to counter misinformation.
4. **Engage with Political Representatives**: - Write letters or emails to your local representatives expressing your views on the issues discussed in the article. Advocate for policies that support transparency, accountability, and community safety.
### Exact Actions We Can Personally Take:
1. **Petitions**: - Create or sign petitions that address the issues of police accountability and the need for a more nuanced discussion around safety. - Example: Check platforms like Change.org for existing petitions related to police reform and community safety.
2. **Contacting Representatives**: - Identify your local representatives in Congress and state government. Here are a few contacts to get started: - **Senator Dick Durbin (IL)**: Email: senator_durbin@durbin.senate.gov | USPS: 711 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510 - **Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY)**: Email: ocaso-cortez.house.gov/contact | USPS: 2452 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515
- Sample Message: ``` Subject: Addressing the Misinformation Around Crime and Safety
Dear [Representative's Name],
I am writing to express my concern about the ongoing misinformation surrounding crime and safety in our nation’s capital. It is imperative that we move towards data-driven discussions rather than fear-based narratives.
I urge you to support policies that promote community engagement, transparency in law enforcement, and accountability for those in positions of power.
Thank you for your attention to this crucial matter.
Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Contact Information] ```
3. **Community Workshops**: - Organize workshops in your community to educate residents on local crime statistics, debunk myths, and discuss the realities of law enforcement in your area. Partner with local organizations focused on community safety and justice.
4. **Social Media Campaigns**: - Start a campaign using hashtags such as #FactOverFear or #TruthInSafety to spread awareness about the realities of crime in your community. Create graphics or share information that counters the prevailing narratives.
5. **Volunteer with Local Organizations**: - Get involved with local organizations that focus on criminal justice reform, community safety, or public policy advocacy. Examples include: - The Marshall Project (www.themarshallproject.org) - The Sentencing Project (www.sentencingproject.org)
By taking these steps, we can collectively challenge the misinformation and fear that permeates our political discourse. Engaging with our communities, advocating for responsible representation, and promoting factual information can help create a more informed and resilient society.