All The Worlds a Stage, But
The impression that Washington D.C. looks like "central casting" typically suggests that people in power or public-facing roles appear to have been specifically chosen for their stereotypical, "buttoned-up," and polished looks, rather than their genuine qualifications or authenticity.
What's Going On (The Perception)
This perception often stems from a few factors:
Aesthetics over Authenticity: The term "central casting" implies a focus on image and presentation, suggesting that political figures are more like actors playing a role than real people with genuine convictions. The political environment is perceived by some as a performance, a "reality show".
Media and Political Branding: The extensive media coverage and constant political branding contribute to a highly curated public image. Certain aesthetics, like the "groomsmen vibes" sometimes associated with male politicians or specific makeup trends for women, are promoted as part of a recognizable "team" identity.
Conspiracy Theories: This feeling can be linked to broader conspiracy theories which suggest a "deep state" or a secretive elite controls the government behind the scenes, and the public officials are merely "puppets" or "actors" in a staged "movie".
Who is Really Running "The Show"?
In reality, the government of Washington D.C. operates on two levels, as mandated by the U.S. Constitution, which grants the U.S. Congress ultimate authority over the federal district.
The actual governance structure is as follows:
Day-to-day operations: The city of Washington D.C. has a locally elected government, including a mayor and a 13-member city council, which manages most local affairs through a system of "home rule".
Ultimate Authority: The U.S. Congress retains ultimate power and can review, modify, or overturn any local D.C. legislation and controls the city's budget. The President appoints D.C. judges, and major crimes are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney's Office, not the local Attorney General.
No Voting Representation: D.C. residents pay federal taxes but have no voting representation in Congress, a major point of ongoing debate and a key slogan on D.C. license plates: "End Taxation Without Representation".
So, while day-to-day local affairs are run by the elected local government, the U.S. Congress holds the ultimate legal power over D.C., and many people believe that powerful, unelected forces (whether lobbyists, career bureaucrats, or wealthy elites) hold significant sway over the federal government's decisions.