Stephen Miller, a top aide to the president, calls the protesters ‘crazy communists’ and ‘stupid white hippies.’

An estimated 1,900 troops are being deployed in D.C. More than half are coming from Republican-led states. Besides Union Station, they've mostly been spotted around downtown areas, including the National Mall and Metro stops.

Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth joined dozens of National Guardsmen for lunch at a Union Station burger eatery

Vice President JD Vance joined Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller at Washington’s Union Station to greet National Guard troops deployed to the nation’s capital. The trio greeted troops near a table piled with hamburgers, and Vance said, “You guys are doing a helluva job.”

Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have visited National Guard troops at Union Station amid protests in Washington. On Wednesday, protesters chanted “free D.C.” in response to President Donald Trump’s crackdown in the capital.

Involved: Three U.S. Aegis guided-missile destroyers—USS Gravely, USS Jason Dunham and the USS Sampson. Around 4,000 troops as well as “several P-8 spy planes, and at least one attack submarine” have also been tasked to assist.