A company that supplies paid protesters has reported a significant increase in demand for its services in Washington, D.C., following President Donald Trump’s decision to federalize the city’s police force.
Adam Swart, CEO of Crowds on Demand, told Fox News Digital that “Right now, D.C. inquiries are up roughly 400% compared to the same period in 2024,” referring specifically to May through July of each year. Swart noted that requests typically rise during major political events or periods of heightened tension.
“A large share are focused on opposing Trump’s policies in Washington and raising alarms about government overreach,” Swart said. “We’re weighing those offers carefully – because while there’s truth in saying D.C.’s local government has been an abject failure in keeping citizens safe, there’s also a real danger in putting too much power in federal hands. That balance of power matters.”
Swart also commented on the composition of protest crowds, stating: “Most people don’t know this, but many protesters are literally on the payroll – Capitol Hill staffers from both parties are often expected to show up at rallies and protests on their own time,” he said. “So yes, most attendees are being paid or are there because it’s part of their job. That doesn’t mean they don’t support the cause – but it does mean these crowds aren’t as ‘organic’ as they appear on TV.”
The increase in demand for paid protesters comes amid ongoing media coverage and public debate regarding the authenticity of demonstrations taking place in Washington, D.C.
