Everyone in Washington, it seemed, heard the news almost simultaneously, alerted by beeps and buzzes on their phones soon after President Biden posted his statement on X that he was abandoning his reelection bid. Even though many expected might he step aside, the sudden Sunday afternoon announcement jolted the capital like an earthquake, reshaping the political landscape and the November election in an instant.
Washington, D.C
How deeply political D.C. reacted when Biden dropped out of presidential race
In the District, where politics has always been king, Biden’s decision reverberated across the city’s coffee shops and bars, street corners and playgrounds, and outside of the Capitol and the White House.
Biden was especially popular in D.C., winning 92 percent of the District’s 2020 general election vote. In the 24 hours following his post, as the reality sunk in that his more than 50-year political career was ending, everyone, it seemed, had thoughts.
Felix Brown, 21, was at Blue Bottle Coffee in Georgetown on Sunday when he noticed the people sitting a few feet away murmuring excitedly. He overheard some of their conversation and turned to the strangers to ask, “Is it true? Did Biden drop out?”
As word spread rapidly around the coffee shop, Brown, a Democrat, said customers began to smile at one another. “I could feel the buzz around me,” he said.
Sheamari Whitaker, 21, a summer intern for a Senate committee, said on Monday that when she first heard the news, she thought it wasn’t real. Biden has been president or vice president for more than half of her life.
“I was not surprised, but a little surprised,” Whitaker said, echoing a response many others gave about learning of the president’s decision. “We’re so deep into the election process so we really weren’t sure how this was going to go.”
As a consensus opinion has emerged that Vice President Harris will likely be the Democratic nominee for president, Whitaker, a rising senior at Howard University, Harris’s alma mater, said she’s excited but also a little wary.
“I’m nervous because of how things went with Hillary Clinton. Not only is Kamala a woman, she’s a Black woman,” Whitaker said. “I’m very concerned about her safety.”
Dorothy Devore, 81, was on her way to work Monday morning as a cashier at a Senate cafeteria, a job she’s held for more than 30 years. The District resident has seen her share of political surprises over the years, but Biden’s decision still came as a shock. She’s fond of the president, she said, but worried about him recently. “Every time I see him on TV he just didn’t look right,” she said.
Walking on Pennsylvania Avenue a few blocks from the Library of Congress shortly after the news broke Sunday, Robert Argento, 35, said he was glad Biden made the decision to drop out.
“It was ‘will they or won’t they?’ for such a long time,” Argento said. “It was a relief that we could move on from this very stressful conversation.”
This being Washington, more than a few people declined to comment on the president’s decision.
“Because of my job, I probably can’t talk about that,” was one version of an answer given by numerous people asked for their opinion about Biden leaving the race. Young Hill staffers were especially eager to avoid the wrath of their bosses by uttering anything without permission.
Biden was at his Rehoboth Beach, Del. home recovering from covid when he made his announcement, but more than a hundred people gathered outside the White House early Sunday evening. Some were tourists whose trips coincided with the news. But dozens, including former Biden officials and staffers congregated at Lafayette Square for a spontaneous rally to honor his accomplishments.
Anne Filipic, who had various roles in the Obama and Biden administrations, said she wanted to show her “gratitude and appreciation” to Biden.
The 42-year-old arrived about 7 p.m. from her Mount Pleasant home with her husband and three kids. A sign on their stroller said: “My future is brighter because of you!” and “Great president, true patriot!”
Filipic, the CEO of Share Our Strength, a D.C. nonprofit fighting hunger and poverty, was eager to “rally behind Vice President Harris” and wanted her kids to be part of the moment, she said.
Former Obama staffers Kyle Lierman, 37, and Amanda Brown-Lierman, 38, had been on vacation three hours away in Deep Creek, Md., and immediately jumped in a car with their three kids to head to D.C. when they heard.
“I’m proud of him,” said Lierman. “I think a lot of us were waiting for him to make this decision and waiting to take his lead.”
Not everyone outside the White House cheered for the president. Independent Michael Wille, 37, a catering sales manager for a sandwich shop in D.C., had a homemade sign reading, “Bye, Joe!” He’d come out as soon as he heard the news.
Wille said he isn’t supporting Trump and said he’d only come out to tell people not to believe anything politicians say. He said he’d like Biden to resign and for a third-party candidate to run, but with Harris likely in the race, he said, “I think it’s great for Trump. He’ll probably win.”
Elsewhere in D.C., the news left some people feeling uncertain.
“Things are so chaotic,” said Grace Koh, 51, as she walked her dog Coco past Eastern Market late Sunday afternoon. “I think that’s the way we all feel about politics right now, right? These are not easy times.”
Koh said she isn’t sure who she’ll vote for in November but said she felt sad for Biden. “I’ve thought about how he’s feeling and how difficult it must have been to make that decision.”
Out for a walk in his Capitol Hill neighborhood Sunday afternoon, Bill Nash, 81, a registered independent, said he too felt empathy for the president. “He is an honorable, dedicated public servant and for him to face the consequences we all face of getting old is very difficult. And it’s sad,” said Nash.
Marquise Lewis, 29, stepped out for a smoke break from his job as a chef at a restaurant on Pennsylvania Avenue SE. He learned of Biden’s decision in the kitchen during a busy afternoon so he was just starting to think about the consequences.
“If you’re physically incapable, I’d say focus on your health. Winning the election and then having health issues isn’t going to help anyone,” he said.
Lewis said he wasn’t the biggest fan of Biden or Trump but he’s willing to give Harris a chance to make her case. Traditional politics isn’t winning him over.
“We just need new blood,” he said. “Someone not D or R, just someone doing the best for the American people.”
Gebre Hiwot, 61, of D.C., said Biden made the right decision to leave the race. “What he did for the country was great,” he said. “Now it is time for him to step aside.”
An immigrant from Ethiopia who has lived in Washington for 36 years and owns a convenience store, Hiwot said it was time to give Harris an opportunity. “Personally I don’t like her but she’s a much better person to run than Biden,” he said. “And anyone is better than Trump.”
Outside of Eastern Market on Capitol Hill late Sunday afternoon, Malaika Tull, 11, said she and her mother had just been talking about Biden’s announcement and what it meant. Not only for Biden, but for his vice president. Malaika, a rising sixth grader, isn’t sure if Harris will be elected but she’s holding out hope.
“As a Black girl, I think it’s inspiring to know that a Black female could be the next president of the United States,” she said. And she has another reason she’s rooting for Harris: Malaika’s middle name is Kamala.
Washington, D.C
DC police chief accused of manipulating crime data in new House Oversight Committee report – WTOP News
D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith has been accused of manipulating crime data to “maintain the appearance of low crime” in a new report released Sunday by the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith has been accused of manipulating crime data to “maintain the appearance of low crime” in a new report released Sunday by the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
The interim staff report came from transcribed interviews with the commanders of all seven D.C. patrol districts, as well as one former commander currently placed on suspended leave, according to a news release.
The report alleges Smith “punished and removed officers for reporting accurate crime numbers and fostered a toxic culture.”
D.C. police Chief Pamela Smith recently announced she is stepping down at the end of the month after two years leading the department.
Mayor Muriel Bowser’s office told WTOP they “are reviewing the report.”
Read the full report here.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
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© 2025 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.
Washington, D.C
How Maryland is Tackling Traffic Delays and Enhancing Travel to Washington D.C. Through Key Infrastructure Upgrades, Here is All You Need to Know – Travel And Tour World
Published on
December 14, 2025
Traffic delays in D.C. have long been a challenge for both residents and visitors. In Maryland, addressing these issues has become a top priority, with major projects aimed at easing the notorious Beltway congestion. Among the most crucial initiatives are the reconstruction of the American Legion Memorial Bridge and the Francis Scott Key Bridge. These key infrastructure upgrades are essential not only for reducing traffic delays but also for improving access to Washington D.C.’s famous attractions. With millions of tourists visiting the nation’s capital every year, these projects aim to enhance the flow of traffic, ensuring a smoother travel experience for all. By tackling congestion head-on, Maryland is making significant strides in boosting Washington D.C. tourism. The ongoing improvements promise to make visiting the capital more convenient and enjoyable, benefiting both locals and travelers alike.
Maryland’s Focus on Infrastructure Upgrades
One of the most pressing issues currently being tackled by Maryland officials is the ongoing traffic delays in D.C. caused by outdated and overcrowded bridges. The Francis Scott Key Bridge, in particular, has seen its estimated costs balloon as the need for reconstruction becomes more urgent. The Maryland Department of Transportation has faced increasing pressure to ensure the timely and efficient completion of this project, which is expected to be fully funded by taxpayers.
In September 2025, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy raised concerns regarding the proposed budget and timeline for the FSK Bridge replacement. This project, aimed at addressing significant traffic bottlenecks, is crucial to improving the daily commute for both locals and visitors heading into Washington D.C. for business, leisure, or cultural experiences.
Addressing Congestion on the American Legion Memorial Bridge
Another key project under discussion is the American Legion Memorial Bridge, which connects Maryland to Virginia along the I-495 Beltway. This bridge is notorious for heavy congestion, contributing significantly to the broader traffic delays in D.C. In 2025, Washington, D.C. was rated the worst city in the nation for traffic, with an average delay of more than six hours. As part of efforts to alleviate this problem, Secretary Duffy and Maryland Governor Wes Moore are exploring ways to accelerate the reconstruction of the American Legion Memorial Bridge.
A major focus of this initiative is the public’s input on how best to alleviate congestion in the I-495/I-270 corridor. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has recently released a Request for Information (RFI) to gather feedback on potential solutions. The aim is to develop a multi-state plan to address the congestion that affects both Maryland and Virginia, directly benefiting travelers heading into Washington D.C. This effort is seen as vital for improving the overall travel experience in the region, particularly for tourists navigating the Beltway.
Improving Access for Washington D.C. Tourists
Tourism in Washington D.C. is a significant economic driver for the region. Each year, millions of tourists flock to the nation’s capital to visit iconic landmarks such as the White House, the U.S. Capitol, the Lincoln Memorial and the Smithsonian museums. However, these visitors often face traffic delays that hinder their ability to enjoy their trip. The ongoing congestion on the I-495 Beltway and critical bridges like the American Legion Memorial Bridge and the Francis Scott Key Bridge directly impact the ease with which tourists can access these sites.
Improving these key transportation routes will not only benefit local commuters but also enhance the tourism experience in Washington D.C. Faster and more efficient access to the city’s major attractions can encourage more visitors, boosting local tourism revenue and supporting the area’s hospitality sector. By addressing Beltway congestion and modernizing key infrastructure, Maryland is taking a proactive approach to ensuring that tourists spend less time stuck in traffic and more time exploring the capital’s many cultural and historical offerings.
The Role of the Capital Beltway Accord
Maryland’s commitment to improving transportation in the region is also evident in its collaboration with Virginia through the “Capital Beltway Accord.” In 2019, Maryland and Virginia announced a bipartisan agreement to build express lanes on the Beltway, designed to ease congestion. Virginia completed the 495 Express Lane Extension in November 2025, a move that aims to improve the flow of traffic between the two states.
The express lanes offer an expedited route for drivers and are expected to have a direct impact on reducing congestion, particularly in areas where traffic delays have historically been the most severe. For tourists traveling to Washington D.C., these lanes represent a potential shortcut that could significantly shorten travel times to key attractions. The implementation of such infrastructure upgrades helps ensure that both residents and tourists benefit from improved access to the region.
Public Input and Community Involvement
Secretary Duffy has emphasized the importance of involving the public in the planning and development of these transportation projects. The release of the Request for Information (RFI) for the American Legion Memorial Bridge reconstruction is a clear indication of Maryland’s commitment to ensuring that local communities, commuters and tourists alike have a say in how congestion is addressed. Public input is vital for shaping the future of transportation in the region, particularly when it comes to making improvements that impact everyday lives and travel experiences.
A Brighter Future for Maryland’s Transportation Network
With ongoing efforts to tackle Beltway congestion, rebuild the Francis Scott Key Bridge and improve the American Legion Memorial Bridge, Maryland is positioning itself to enhance travel to Washington D.C. for years to come. The state’s focus on modernizing key infrastructure projects is crucial for easing traffic delays and improving the overall experience for both residents and tourists. As these projects progress, they promise to unlock smoother, more efficient travel, benefiting everyone who relies on these critical routes.
Conclusion: Enhancing Travel Through Strategic Infrastructure Investment
Maryland’s commitment to addressing traffic delays in Washington D.C. through key infrastructure upgrades is set to have a significant impact on both local commuters and tourists. The reconstruction of the American Legion Memorial Bridge and the Francis Scott Key Bridge will not only ease Beltway congestion but also improve access to the capital’s major attractions. By ensuring that these vital projects are completed on time and within budget, Maryland is making strides in improving travel for everyone who relies on these roads. With the ongoing public input process and collaboration with neighboring Virginia, the future of travel in the Washington D.C. metro area looks brighter than ever.
President Donald Trump has set his sights on his next renovation project: Washington, D.C.’s golf courses, according to a new report.
The president, who frequently spends weekends on the fairways at his various properties, is seeking to redevelop the three public golf courses in the nation’s capital, The Wall Street Journal reported.
“If we do them, we’ll do it really beautifully,” he told the outlet on Friday after reportedly describing the courses as run down and neglected. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum echoed this sentiment, describing one course as “in total disrepair,” adding that Trump is trying to bring it “back to what it was originally envisioned to be, which is the finest municipal golf in the country, right here in our capital.”
In his pursuit to remake the green spaces, he is attempting to wrest control from the National Links Trust, a non-profit with a 50-year lease to operate, restore and maintain the affordability of East Potomac Golf Links, Rock Creek Park Golf and Langston Golf Course.
Earlier in 2025, the administration ordered the group to take dirt resulting from the demolition of the East Wing of the White House or risk defaulting on its lease with the government, people familiar with the matter told the outlet. The group accepted and trucks were seen dumping piles of soil onto one of East Potomac’s courses.
Despite this, the Interior Department told the National Links Trust that it violated its lease and delivered an official default notice. Trump said that the courses will fall under the administration’s control if the group does not remedy alleged violations by the end of the year.
“Such a move could make it easier for Trump to implement his vision for the East Potomac course, which sits on a prime stretch of Washington real estate along the river,” the outlet reported, noting that the course is “at the top of his list.”
In a statement, the group disputed the administration’s assessment.
“National Links Trust respectfully disagrees with the characterization that we are in default,” a spokesman for the National Links Trust told the newspaper. “National Links Trust appreciates the president’s interest in the D.C. golf courses and looks forward to the opportunity to partner with the administration to improve these historically significant facilities.”
But the Republican president has no interest in working with the organization.
“I think what we’re looking to do is just build something different, and build them in government,” he said.
He’s also shown interest in hiring Tom Fazio, a famed golf course architect, to create designs for a new East Potomac course and hopes to host a professional golfing event in the capital in the near future.
The president’s renovation attempts have triggered consternation among some golfers in Washington, D.C., who fear Trump’s beautifying efforts could boost prices and render the courses unaffordable for residents.
But, Trump said that, if he takes over the three courses, D.C. inhabitants will receive lower rates than visiting golfers.
If Trump is successful in his bid, it would add to the many changes he’s made to the nation’s capital since returning to office in January. At the White House, he’s paved over the Rose Garden, installed towering flag poles on the lawn, affixed gilded furnishings to the Oval Office and began constructing a massive ballroom where the East Wing once stood.
He’s also proposed building a victory arch on the banks of the Potomac and is considering renovating the Reflecting Pool that sits in front of the Lincoln Memorial.
A White House spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Independent.
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