Trump Dines at Joe’s Seafood in DC to Showcase Safer Streets

Lead President Donald Trump dined at Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab in Washington, D.C., Tuesday evening to highlight his crime crackdown and National Guard deployment, his first public restaurant visit since January.

Nut Graf The outing marks a deliberate effort by the administration to demonstrate improved safety in the capital after weeks of federalizing local law enforcement, a move that has drawn both praise and criticism.

Cabinet in Tow

Trump was accompanied by Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth as they arrived at the 15th Street venue just two blocks from the White House.

Protests Greet Arrival

• A small group of protesters chanted “Free DC” and “Free Palestine” inside the restaurant.
• Demonstrators were escorted out by Secret Service after shouting “Trump is the Hitler of our time,” drawing boos and cheers from other diners.

Crime and Crabs

Inside, the president told diners, “We have a safe city now-enjoy yourselves; you won’t be mugged going home,” crediting his National Guard deployment for the decline in violent crime. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt later praised Joe’s service and menu, noting the group enjoyed crab, shrimp, steak and dessert.

Restaurant Reaction

Independent restaurant advocates applauded the visit. Erika Polmar of the Independent Restaurant Coalition said it “shouldn’t be his last,” emphasizing the importance of local eateries to community life amid rising costs and narrow margins.