Protests aren’t grassroots anymore. They are a political tool bankrolled by the elite.
And now Democrats were caught paying protesters for one ridiculous reason.
Paid Protesters Surge in D.C. as Trump Federalizes Police Force
A 400% spike in inquiries to crowd rental company Crowds on Demand has revealed a wave of paid protesters in Washington, D.C., following President Donald Trump’s August 11 decision to federalize the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and deploy 800 National Guard troops to address violent crime.
The move, aimed at enhancing public safety in the nation’s capital, has drawn criticism from local officials, with the orchestrated protests raising concerns about the authenticity of public opposition.
Crowds on Demand Reports Surge in Anti-Trump Protest Requests
Adam Swart, CEO of Crowds on Demand, reported to Fox News Digital that inquiries for protest services from May to July 2025 soared compared to the same period in 2024. “A large share are focused on opposing Trump’s policies in Washington and raising alarms about government overreach,” Swart said, noting his company is cautiously reviewing requests.
He added that most attendees at D.C. political events are paid, including Capitol Hill staffers, stating, “Many protesters are literally on the payroll. That doesn’t mean they don’t support the cause, but these crowds aren’t as ‘organic’ as they appear on TV.”
Trump’s Federalization Targets Violent Crime
Trump invoked Section 740 of the 1973 D.C. Home Rule Act to justify the federalization, citing incidents like the August 3 attempted carjacking of former Department of Government Efficiency staffer Edward Coristine, who was injured.
In a Truth Social post, Trump declared, “Criminals in the city are not afraid of the police because nothing ever happens to them,” emphasizing the need for federal intervention.
The deployment, supported by Attorney General Pam Bondi and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, includes 100-200 Guard troops for logistical support and 120 FBI agents, with 23 arrests reported on the first night for crimes including homicide.
Local Resistance and Paid Protest Concerns
Despite D.C. police data showing a 26% drop in violent crime in 2025 compared to 2024, with homicides down 12%, the D.C. Police Union endorsed the action, with chairman Gregg Pemberton stating, “Crime is spiraling out of control, and immediate action is necessary.”
Mayor Muriel Bowser and Attorney General Brian Schwalb, however, labeled the move “unnecessary” and “unlawful,” with Schwalb filing a federal lawsuit on August 15, arguing it violates D.C.’s home rule.
The reliance on paid protesters, as revealed by Swart, has sparked skepticism on X, where users criticized “rent-a-protest” tactics. One post read, “If you can’t get real protesters into the street, pay people to play at protesting.” Another remarked, “How can these even be considered protests? Sounds like a job.”
The contrast between manufactured crowds and the administration’s focus on measurable crime reduction efforts has fueled debate over the legitimacy of opposition to Trump’s policies, as the capital navigates heightened federal involvement.
