In Washington on Wednesday night, the most visible sign of President Trump’s takeover of the local Police Department was a sobriety checkpoint operated by local and federal police agencies on a busy street near downtown, which drew a crowd of jeering protesters.

President Trump has long demonized “blue” cities like Los Angeles, Washington and New York, claiming their leaders have allowed crime and blight to worsen.

Outside the busiest train station in Washington, newly deployed National Guard troops wearing camouflage lean on a huge military Humvee. Wary residents and curious tourists stop to take photos, while inside the elegant Union Station a string trio plays "What a Wonderful World.