On Tuesday night, President Donald Trump dined at Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab in Washington, D.C., accompanied by Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, and other senior administration officials. The dinner was intended to mark what the administration described as significant progress in reducing crime in the nation’s capital.
Speaking to reporters outside the restaurant with members of his cabinet nearby, Trump stated: “It’s a safe city and I just want to thank the National Guard… The outcome is really spectacular. We have a capital that’s very, very safe right now.”
The president’s arrival drew a crowd across the street who expressed both support and opposition. Among those protesting was Susan “Medea” Benjamin, leader of Code Pink, who voiced support for Palestine during Trump’s entrance.
Inside the restaurant, Trump received applause from some diners. He addressed them by saying: “We have a safe city. Enjoy yourselves — you won’t be mugged going home. Have a good time, everybody. Don’t drink too much.”
However, several protesters inside began chanting slogans such as “Free D.C., free Palestine, Trump is the Hitler of our time!” while displaying banners featuring Palestinian flag motifs. Video footage showed protesters confronting Trump as he made his way to his table before being removed from the premises.
Code Pink later released a statement via social media claiming responsibility for disrupting the dinner: “While Trump, JD Vance, Marco Rubio, Pete Hegseth and others feasted at a steakhouse, we stood our ground and told them the truth: Free DC. Free Palestine. Trump is the Hitler of our time.
Two years into genocide, Gaza is under evacuation orders, Puerto Rico and Venezuela are in the crosshairs, and the Pentagon openly calls itself the Department of War. Trump looked us in the eyes, we made sure he will never dine in peace while communities are under siege.”
The group has been active for over two decades with campaigns opposing U.S., Israeli and Western policies regarding conflict zones.
