A mere photo on a lockscreen was enough to extinguish the budding flames of romance.

Emery Washington witnessed her friend hit it off with a charming fellow at a Washington, D.C. bar—until he caught sight of her phone.

“It was an image of the President,” Washington recounted. “It was an instant turn-off, a clear ‘go away’ signal. The moment he saw it, it was over. Oh no, you have a picture with him? Goodbye.”

For 27-year-old Washington, this incident was a glaring reminder of the harsh realities faced by conservatives seeking love in the nation’s capital.

Once serving as a Black Media Affairs Coordinator for the Trump 2024 campaign, Washington describes a dating scene swamped with individuals chasing status and liberals who flee at the sight of a red MAGA hat.

“People were dating for status,” Washington told the Daily Mail. “Everyone was ambitious, but I found no one who was truly building towards the same kind of life I envisioned.”

Washington’s been through the ringer herself.  

One ex felt emasculated when she bought him expensive UFC tickets for his birthday, upset he couldn’t afford the same. 

Emery Washington watched her friend hit it off with a guy at a D.C. bar – until he glimpsed her phone

The Saint Yves nightclub packed wall to wall with costumes attendees of the Cruel Kids Halloween in Washington, DC on Saturday, November 1, 2025

For the 27–year–old Washington it was a stinging example of how brutal the Swamp can be for conservative women looking for love

Costumes attendees of the Cruel Kids Halloween in Washington, DC on Saturday, November 1, 2025 pose for a photograph for the Daily Mail

Another wanted her to play traditional housewife while still expecting her to work full–time and split bills 50/50.

‘He wanted me to be Barbie. Put me on a shelf whenever he didn’t want to take me out,’ she says. 

Conservative activist and media personality CJ Pearson is trying to fix the problem of lonely MAGA singles without love with an exclusive, high–voltage Valentine’s Day bash titled ‘MAGA Is In The Air.’

The guest list, which the Daily Mail reviewed, is long. 

Among those listed as attending are Joel Valdez, the Pentagon Deputy Press Secretary, Micah Bock, the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Media Relations at the Department of Homeland Security, Will Scharf, a White House Staff Secretary and Nikki Reeves, Second Lady Usha Vance’s Communications Director.

There’s also some media figures searching for that special someone, including Politico White House reporter Sophia Cai and Matthew Foldi –– the editor–in–chief of the Washington Reporter. 

The black–tie affair, presented by the ‘Cruel Kids Table,’ the brand behind some of the movement’s most raucous parties, is set for Friday, February 13, a day before the holiday that sinks the hearts of singles. 

Pearson, a Gen Z political powerhouse, tells the Daily Mail that the event is a direct rebuttal to a recent Washington Post piece that claimed Trump–supporting singles were striking out in the deep–blue dating pool of D.C.

‘My dear friend Charlie Kirk believed that the only way to beat the left is to out–populate the left. I agree,’ Pearson told the Daily Mail.

‘When the Washington Post recently declared that MAGA singles were having trouble finding love in Washington, I took that declaration as a challenge.’

He added: ‘There is no reason that any young conservative should have to settle for someone who doesn’t know what a woman is or leads every conversation with announcing their pronouns.’

CJ Pearson host Cruel Kids Halloween at Saint Yves nightclub in Washington, DC on Saturday,  November 1, 2025

Pearson, a Gen Z political powerhouse, tells the Daily Mail that the event is a direct rebuttal to a recent Washington Post piece that claimed Trump–supporting singles were striking out in the deep–blue dating pool of D.C

The event promises to bring together a ‘who’s who’ crowd of over 500 attendees, including young professionals, influencers, media personalities and senior government and White House officials.

But the party hasn’t been without its pre–event drama.

According to Pearson, chart–topping rapper DaBaby was originally booked to headline the night but abruptly pulled out.

‘Rapper DaBaby was booked to perform – but his team backed down to cancel culture,’ Pearson revealed. ‘It was unfortunate to see, but maybe he should take some notes from the Queen of Rap, Nicki Minaj, when it comes to courage.’

DaBaby, who has faced his own controversies in the past, seemingly got cold feet about associating with the MAGA crowd. But the organizers wasted no time in finding a replacement.

‘Needless to say, the show must and will go on. We look forward to having my friend Waka Flocka join us next week in his place!’ Pearson said.

To help facilitate the ‘out–populating the left’ mission, the party will feature a ‘stoplight’ theme.

Singles ready to mingle will receive green wristbands, while those already in relationships will wear red, reducing the awkwardness of guessing relationship status in a crowded room.

‘Needless to say, the show must and will go on. We look forward to having my friend Waka Flocka join us next week in his place!’ Pearson said

The party comes months after the Washington Post highlighted the ‘dystopian’ dating scene for conservatives in the capital, where political affiliation can often be a dealbreaker on apps like Hinge and Bumble

‘I think there will be good men on the list,’ she says. ‘Very intentional men, faith–based men… The girls might not have found them yet, but I know they’re there,’ Washington ended with

The ‘Cruel Kids Table’ brand has built a reputation for throwing parties that bridges the gap between MAGA politics and hip–hop culture.

Previous performers at their events have reportedly included big names like Kodak Black, Rick Ross and Soulja Boy.

The party comes months after the Washington Post highlighted the ‘dystopian’ dating scene for conservatives in the capital, where political affiliation can often be a dealbreaker on apps like Hinge and Bumble.

For one night, at least, the MAGA faithful won’t have to worry about being swiped left.

Despite the horror stories, Washington is optimistic that Friday’s ‘MAGA Is In The Air’ party will attract a different breed of suitor: men who put ‘God, family, and country first always – in that order.’

‘I think there will be good men on the list,’ she says. ‘Very intentional men, faith–based men… The girls might not have found them yet, but I know they’re there,’ Washington ended with.