Bringing prominent White House support to the streets of Washington, Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Wednesday visited with National Guard troops at the city’s main train station as protesters chanted “free D.C.” — the latest tense interlude from President Donald Trump’s crackdown in the nation’s capital.

"You can bring law and order to communities," the vice president asserted.

“We appreciate everything you’re doing," Vance said as he presented burgers to the troops. Protesters shouts' echoed through the station as the senior officials spoke to the National Guard present.

The appearance, which also included White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, was a striking scene that illustrated the Republican administration’s intense focus on the situation in Washington and its willingness to promote an initiative that has polarized the Democratic-led city.