Trump’s EO on DC Targets Residents, Doesn't “Beautify” Anything — A Message from MD DC AFL-CIO

In just 192 days of his second term, President Trump has already signed 176 Executive Orders (EOs) — just shy of the 220 he signed during his entire first term. That number alone should raise eyebrows — and questions.

In March, Trump signed “Making the District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful.”

He begins the EO by writing:

“Washington D.C. is the only city that belongs to all Americans and that all Americans can claim as theirs.”

But who, exactly, is included in his definition of “all Americans”?

Let’s look at the people who actually live in D.C.:

• Population (2024): 702,250
• Racial demographics:
  • White: 46.6%
  • Black or African American: 44.4%
  • Hispanic or Latino: 12%
  • Asian: 4.9%

While these numbers do not equate to 100%, they still give us a slight peak into the demographics that make up D.C. So, if President Trump truly meant all Americans, then he is also referring to the black, brown, Asian, Pacific Islanders, and Native American peoples that call DC their home. Does his policy actually reflect that?

🚨 Hidden Priorities and Enforcement Agenda

Each EO that is published has a certain policy baked into it to serve as the overall purpose of the order. The policy of this order is as follows:

“It is the policy of the United States to make the District of Columbia safe, beautiful, and prosperous by preventing crime, punishing criminals, preserving order, protecting our revered American monuments, and promoting beautification and the preservation of our history and heritage.”

That might sound fine — until you look at who’s been tapped to carry it out:

A “Safe and Beautiful Task Force” stacked with law enforcement and security agencies.

That’s not beautification — that’s surveillance.

Key Directives Buried in the EO:

🔇 Silencing Union Activity
Increased law enforcement at protests, stricter enforcement of noise ordinances and trespassing — a direct threat to free speech, freedom of association and the right to organize.

🗿 Restoring Monuments
The EO orders the repair and resurrection of defaced and destroyed federal monuments and return of monuments inappropriately removed. Are Confederate statues included?

🔫 Expediting Concealed Carry Permits
What does that have to do with making the city “beautiful”?

🚔 Immigration Crackdown
Federal agencies directed to increase deportations in the metro area.

🚫 Homeless Encampment Sweeps
Encampments are to be immediately removed — without any mention of housing solutions.

So we ask: what does any of this have to do with beautification?

What about addressing workforce challenges and reductions? What about businesses no longer flocking to DC? These factors can lead to improving the city and fall directly under President Trump’s control–both now and during his first term.

This EO isn’t about beautification, growth, investment, or infrastructure improvements — it’s about control.

Under the banner of “safety” and “beauty,” Trump’s latest EO shows us exactly where his priorities lie: more police, more deportations, more guns — and less voice for the people who live and work in the District.

It’s not about restoring D.C.

It’s about remaking it — in his image.

We urge you to read between the lines.

What story do these policies really tell?