by Joe Siegel

The federal takeover of the Washington, D.C. police force and the thousands of National Guard troops now occupying the city has increased tensions and affected nightlife and other activities.

Metro Weekly reported on the turmoil on August 18: “Owners of several D.C. LGBTQ bars and nightclubs say the federal takeover of the city’s police force — and the surge of federal agents stationed on 14th Street NW and along the U Street corridor — cost them thousands of dollars in lost business this past weekend.

“Zach Renovátes, managing partner of the District Eagle, Bunker, and Lucky Pollo — all located near the intersection of 14th and U streets — said the businesses lost ‘thousands of dollars’ over the weekend because of the heightened police presence.”

Renovátes told Metro Weekly, “Friday, specifically, we saw a tremendous decline, to the tune of 40 percent, maybe even 50 percent in foot traffic. And people are scared, right? They see what’s happening in the media, in the news. They see these police checkpoints going up, literally beside or adjacent to our venues. And they see increased police presence all along the corridor. That’s frightening.”

The Washington Blade ran a story by senior reporter Lou Chibarro Jr. on August 20, 2025, about how only one local LGBTQ organization has come out in support of the federal takeover of the city. “Log Cabin Republicans of Washington, D.C., the local chapter of the national LGBTQ Republican organization, has emerged as the only known local LGBTQ group to endorse President Donald Trump’s controversial action earlier this month to federalize the D.C. police department.

“Several other local and national D.C.-based LGBTQ political groups have released statements expressing strong opposition to the Trump action, which involves sending in National Guard troops to patrol D.C. streets to fight what the president has called an out-of-control crime wave in the nation’s capital.”

Kevin Naff, the Blade’s editor, said there is a “growing resistance movement” across the city. In an editorial published on August 18, 2025, Naff encouraged readers to fight back.

“It is heartening to see so many local residents protesting these unconstitutional injustices, but anyone demonstrating should be mindful of the potential consequences of crossing the line from protest to violence,” Naff wrote. “The government under Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi is looking to make examples of protesters to deter further demonstrations. The same administration that pardoned all of the Jan. 6 rioters who broke into the Capitol, attacked and injured police officers, threatened to kill Vice President Mike Pence and Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and smeared feces on the walls of the building, is now pursuing felony charges against a protester who threw a sandwich at a law enforcement officer.”

Many popular LGBTQ nightspots are seeing massive declines in customers.

“People are afraid to go out,” Naff told Press Pass Q. “Restaurant reservations are down 30 percent, small businesses are suffering. LGBTQ-owned businesses are suffering.”

The Blade itself has not been impacted so far.

“We’re still in the White House, we’re still out in the streets covering all these developments,” Naff said. “We have photographers and reporters with the protestors. We are trying to highlight the importance of supporting your own local queer-owned businesses.”

Naff noted Washington’s crime rate has been on the decline, as well as that of other cities such as Baltimore. The Trump administration’s actions are merely a “ruse,” Naff said, likening it to “martial law.”

“This is what [Trump] is going to need to stay in power after his term expires [in 2029],” Naff said. “I think it’s very clear that he has no intention of leaving office. He’s laying the groundwork for a power grab.”

Naff believes there has to be greater awareness of what’s happening to the United States under Trump’s watch, particularly the authoritarianism. “It’s coming for your city next, so people should pay attention and should be outraged.”

IN THE NEWS
Volume 27
Issue 7