Washington, D.C., is feeling the impact—not just politically, but economically—after Donald Trump flexed federal power over the city’s crime problem. Last Monday, he made headlines by taking control of the city’s police department and bringing in the National Guard to patrol the streets.
But while that move may have been aimed at boosting public safety, it’s having an unintended effect: people are staying home.
According to OpenTable data, seated diners at D.C. restaurants started vanishing almost immediately. That Monday saw a 16% drop in restaurant reservations compared to the same time last year. By Wednesday, it was down a staggering 31%. Even with a small bounce back by Saturday, reservations were still down 20%.
Local residents haven’t kept quiet about their feelings. Protests have taken place across the city, especially in its northwest neighborhoods. On Wednesday, federal officers were met with shouts and signs from demonstrators refusing to accept the sudden police takeover.
The controversy is also fueling a renewed push for D.C. statehood. With no voting representation in Congress, many residents feel decisions like these are forced on them with no real say.
