Augmented security forces in Washington D.C. expand with the arrival of 800 National Guardsmen courtesy of President Trump.
The U.S. President's decision to place the Metropolitan Police of Washington, D.C., under federal control has been met with controversy, as the city's crime rates have been on a steady decline.
On August 11, 2025, President Trump declared a crime emergency in D.C., citing the city's high crime rates as justification for federal control of the police forces. However, local police statistics show a decrease in reported crimes, with 2024 having the lowest number of violent crimes in 30 years[5].
The Home Rule Act requires that any extension of federal control over the D.C. police beyond 30 days must be approved by Congress. A bill was introduced as of August 19, 2025, that would allow the President to extend the takeover indefinitely, implying ongoing legislative debate and contest over this power[3].
The US Attorney for the District of Columbia, Brian Schwalb, has expressed that Trump's actions are unprecedented, unnecessary, and unlawful[6]. Critics view the President's actions as an abuse of power and a threat to public safety, indicating opposition from political and civil society groups[4].
Despite the controversy, 800 National Guard troops were initially deployed, with more forces ready if needed. The National Guard, a military reserve unit and part of the US Armed Forces, can be deployed in cases of natural disasters, riots, and internal emergencies[7].
It is important to note that the President has the power to place city police under federal control for 30 days without seeking Congressional approval, but must inform Congress within 48 hours[1]. Trump has already deployed the National Guard in Washington, D.C.[2] and has stated his intention to make the city safer and cleaner[8].
In Los Angeles, the deployment of the National Guard was in response to massive protests against the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) law enforcement. In June, Trump deployed 4,000 National Guard soldiers and 700 regular military personnel in the Los Angeles area[9]. The proportionality of the deployment in Los Angeles is currently being challenged in court[10].
In conclusion, while the President's seizure of local police control in D.C. is active and based on a declared emergency, it is legally contingent upon Congressional approval to continue beyond 30 days. There is ongoing legislative debate over this power, and the decision has faced political and possibly legal opposition. The city's crime rates, however, suggest that there may not be an emergency situation warranting federal intervention.
References: [1] https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-dc-nationalguard/factbox-trumps-powers-to-deploy-the-national-guard-idUSKCN26915Z [2] https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/11/us/politics/trump-national-guard-dc.html [3] https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/1234/text [4] https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/08/19/trump-dc-national-guard-deployment-faces-legal-challenges/ [5] https://data.dc.gov/Public-Safety/Crime-Data/6m-h7r6 [6] https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/08/18/trump-dc-attorney-general-says-presidents-actions-are-unlawful/ [7] https://www.army.mil/what-we-do/national-guard [8] https://www.cnn.com/2025/08/12/politics/trump-homeless-dc-cleanup/index.html [9] https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2025-06-15/trump-deploys-national-guard-in-los-angeles [10] https://www.courthousenews.com/california-challenges-trump-national-guard-deployment-in-los-angeles/
Read also:
- Court petitions to reverse established decision on same-sex marriage legalization
- Trump's enforcement actions in Washington D.C.: Insights from the political arena
- Chinese Ambassador issues stern message to India regarding Trump's tariffs in midst of escalating trade feuds
- Aircraft collides with another one on the runway during landing at Montana airport, igniting flames
