Washington D.C. Store Owner Recants Support After White House Video Backfires
WASHINGTON D.C. – A Washington D.C. store owner, initially featured in a video released by the Trump administration following a robbery at her business, has publicly distanced herself from the White house and declined a private tour of the White House, citing fears of being used as a political pawn.
Alston, owner of a convenience store in the city, contacted the white House seeking assistance after a theft. The administration responded by sending a film crew to create a video highlighting her story. However, Alston quickly expressed dissatisfaction with the final product, specifically objecting to the inclusion of dramatic theme music. “I called them, and I said, ‘Why’d y’all make me sound so dramatic, adding that theme music in the background?’ … I didn’t like it,” she said.
She further claimed that White House officials dismissed her concerns, stating, “He told me, ‘Oh, don’t worry about it.We got yoru back.’ This, that and the other, and y’all ain’t got my back. I said, ‘Y’all is trying to use me.'”
The video’s release sparked a wave of reactions from Alston’s community, with some accusing her of siding with the Trump Administration during a period of heightened tension surrounding federal officers’ arrests of protestors in Washington D.C. Others suggested she leverage the publicity to protect her business.
As the federal crackdown continued,Alston increasingly sought to disassociate herself from the administration,declining interview requests from multiple news outlets and ceasing interaction with White House staff. “My community kept saying, ‘Be careful, girl. Be careful, because they’re probably using you as a pawn,'” she recounted.
Concerns for her family’s safety, particularly her husband who is an immigrant from Bangladesh, led Alston to cancel a scheduled private tour of the White House. “I was thinking about it, and I’m scared of even going in to do that,” she said.
In the wake of the controversy,Alston has increased security at her store,posting a handwritten sign prohibiting unaccompanied minors and reiterating age restrictions for tobacco purchases: “No kids allowed without parents!!!” the sign reads. “Parents keep attention to kids at all times. Must be 21 years old to buy tobacco products.”