Trump unexpectedly dines out in Washington to promote effects of crime crackdown

President Donald Trump on Tuesday night unexpectedly left the White House to dine out at a seafood restaurant in Washington, D.C., in order to highlight the effectiveness of his recent crime crackdown. 

The dinner was not previously listed on the president's schedule or teased on the president's Truth Social account. 

Trump declared a crime emergency in the district last month and initiated a federal takeover of the city and its Metropolitan Police Department. He also deployed hundreds of National Guard troops throughout the district.

The president was spotted at Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab restaurant, located approximately a block from the White House, along with Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.

"It's a safe city and I just want to thank the National Guard," Trump said outside the restaurant. "The outcome is really spectacular."

Trump teased dining out in the district last week, stating he felt the city was safe enough for a dinner out on the town.

“I think it’s something we could consider doing. Love to do it,” Trump said, per the Associated Press. “I love the White House food, but after a while, I could see going to a nice restaurant. It’s safe.”

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.