President Donald Trump’s recent order to crack down on homeless populations, claiming they are “hotspots for crime,” has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation. Critics argue the policy reflects a tyrannical and cruel approach toward society’s most vulnerable, prioritizing force over compassion. In Washington DC, one local citizen decided to voice his outrage directly to the troops carrying out the president’s directive.
In a short video now gaining traction on Reddit, the Washington DC resident can be heard delivering an impassioned speech. Pointing toward the homeless encampments, he reminded the soldiers and police officers that these individuals are still American citizens, deserving of dignity and protection.
He raised his voice, his words sharp with anger and disbelief, reminding them of their sworn duty to safeguard the people of America. Yet, he accused, they had transformed into the very force of oppression they once vowed to stand against. He went further, urging them to reject any orders that are “clearly wrong,” stressing that their moral duty outweighed blind obedience.
Unfortunately, his plea appeared to fall on deaf ears. The soldiers remained silent, staying in their vehicles, and eventually drove away. At the end of the video, the Washington DC man can be seen walking away, visibly frustrated and disheartened.
Online reactions to the video have been overwhelmingly critical. Many expressed deep concern that such scenes, with military vehicles patrolling civilian streets, had become normalized in the United States. “It’s wild that military vehicles go down American streets and people are okay with it… America is a police state,” one Reddit user wrote.
Others speculated that many soldiers knew their actions were wrong but feared severe repercussions if they disobeyed orders. One commenter explained, “Trust me, very few in the military are happy about this. But they’re forced to choose between their conscience and their careers. Disobeying could mean disciplinary action, financial penalties, and the end of their livelihood. Many have families to feed and already modest paychecks.”
Some users noted the heartbreaking irony that many of those being “removed” from the streets are veterans themselves, men and women who once wore the same uniform as the troops now enforcing the order. “How does that not totally mess with your head?” one person asked.
The broader sentiment across social media was one of alarm and sorrow. For many, the video symbolized a disturbing shift in America’s identity. As one user commented, “Never imagined I’d live to see a full authoritarian nightmare in the US. We are so cooked.”
