‘On edge’: Trump’s military deployment in US capital stirs fear, confusion

Critics call the federal takeover of Washington, DC, a ‘manufactured crisis’ aimed at political gain.

Washington, DC, United States – Outside Union Station in the US capital, bored-looking soldiers linger near two large armoured vehicles as commuters and tourists snap photos of the unusual scene.

Inside the century-old transportation hub, a dozen National Guard soldiers pace the marble floors, appearing to be armed only with zip-tie handcuffs.

Their presence did not directly disrupt traffic, but the Trump administration’s deployment of federal forces – part of its takeover of city policing – has left Washington residents fearful and confused.

Randy Kindle, a 48-year-old Air Force veteran, called the deployment a “show”.

“It’s disrespectful to our troops to have to invade their own country essentially and be pitted against their own citizens,” Kindle told Al Jazeera outside Union Station.