At one year, Trump’s occupation of DC is unjustified, illegal, and dangerous — and has united a movement
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 11, 2026
CONTACT: media@freedcproject.org, (202) 771-1921
Washington DC — One year ago today Trump deployed the National Guard to DC, attempted to federalize MPD, and began a surge of federal law enforcement. These conditions have remained unchanged for now an entire year.
In recognition of this anniversary, Free DC issued the following statement:
“Trump’s occupation of DC is killing and hurting people here. He wants everyone to believe this occupation is making the District more ‘safe and beautiful’ but the truth is that from Julian Bailey and Nolberto Meza, to the 16,000 people arrested, to their lies in court, to the hundreds of children separated from their parents due of immigration enforcement, to the Black youth forced to interact with armed soldiers on their way home, to workers being attacked on the job and our unhoused neighbors being displaced, Trump’s destructive occupation has hurt thousands of people in DC over the last year.
“Over this year their attacks have also united DC communities in unapologetic rejection of this regime and their agenda. Tens of thousands of people have been out in the streets over the past year against these attacks. Neighbors are Filming the Police and using our power as jurors. We’re refusing to shop at businesses that side with the regime, and we all know to #DeleteDoorDash. Together we nominated the people’s champions to be DC’s next Mayor and Delegate, and have made it clear that MPD needs to protect DC residents even when federal agents are the ones attacking us.
“This effort is only growing stronger. Today, more than 200 national organizations, elected leaders, faith congregations and local groups have signed a letter of solidarity committing to oppose DC’s occupation and all attacks on DC in Congress, urge the federal government to dismantle the ‘DC Safe and Beautiful Task Force,’ affirm our First Amendment rights, and to publicly oppose any effort to prevent the seating of duly elected officials and to ensure that every elected official is sworn in and seated.
“Now, we need all eyes on November. Members of Congress who are attacking DC need to lose their seats. We look forward to working with partners across the country to support challengers who are committed to respecting DC’s leadership. We need to make sure people can vote safely and that election laws are upheld. And then we need to make sure the results of elections are enforced come January.
“After a full year of occupation DC is stronger, more united, and more committed to winning our liberation than ever before. We continue to demand #EndTheDCoccupation, #NationalGuardOutNow, #FreeDC.”
More Information
In the lead up to today’s anniversary, Free DC organized a series of daily storytelling events to center the experiences of people directly impacted by occupation forces over the last year. See photos at FreeDCproject.org/one-year.
Hundreds of people have deleted their DoorDash accounts after the company came out in support of H.R. 9720 earlier this month. Learn more about this campaign and our demands at DeleteDoorDash.com.
See a copy of today’s national solidarity letter and all the signatories at FreeDCproject.org/solidarity.
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Free DC is the renewed movement to protect DC Home Rule and win lasting dignity for the people of the District of Columbia. Learn more and get involved at FreeDCproject.org.