Capitol Infiltration Instigated by Trump: National Guard Patrols Wash over D.C. Streets (Images)
In a move that has sparked controversy, President Donald Trump announced the deployment of National Guard troops in Washington, D.C., in August 2025. The deployment, framed as a response to "rising violence" in the capital, was met with criticism as crime rates in the city were actually falling and at a 30-year low at that time.
The President claimed that escalating violence endangered the public and government functions, justifying the deployment. However, human rights organisations and local advocates denounced the move as unwarranted and a dangerous militarization of civilian law enforcement. They highlighted that actual crime statistics showed a long-term decline in crime.
The Justice Department launched an investigation into whether D.C.’s crime statistics were manipulated, but the widely accepted data showed crime was at historic lows. The federal takeover involved National Guard troops from multiple Republican-led states, totaling over 2,000 troops on the streets, despite community opposition and concerns about costs and civil rights.
The deployment saw about 120 FBI agents reassigned to patrol the city, and an executive order issued by President Trump aimed at making D.C. "safe and beautiful" resulted in only two homeless encampments remaining in the city. Federal agents from the FBI, Department of Homeland Security, and Border Patrol were spotted on the streets of Washington on Monday night.
People living in the remaining encampments will be required to leave for homeless shelters or face "fines and jail time." Park Police are scheduled to remove the remaining homeless encampments this week. Agents made a total of 23 arrests on Monday in D.C., including for homicide, possession with intent to distribute narcotics, and firearms offenses.
However, the Department of Justice disputes the Trump administration's narrative that crime in D.C. has risen. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser called the move "unsettling and unprecedented." Between 100 and 200 National Guardsmen will be deployed in the streets of D.C., but they do not have the authority to make arrests.
After 30 days, the Home Rule Act of 1973 requires the White House to seek Congressional approval to maintain control over the city's police force. The Trump administration will "reevaluate and reassess" the situation in D.C. after 30 days.
Notably, Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee rejected Trump's characterization and noted that overall crime was down 28% from last year in Oakland. Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker brushed off the idea of a takeover in cities like Chicago and New York. Rep. Jamie Raskin called the move a "phony, manufactured crisis."
The deployment of National Guard troops in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday night, according to the U.S. Army, has added to the ongoing debate about the necessity and effectiveness of such measures in addressing crime and public safety concerns. Forbes was unable to confirm the arrest numbers reported by the White House Press Secretary, with local police separately reporting a homicide arrest.
- The controversial deployment of National Guard troops in Washington D.C., initiated by President Donald Trump in August 2025, was met with criticism, as crime rates in the city were at a 30-year low at that time.
- In the wake of the federal takeover, 120 FBI agents were reassigned to patrol the city, and an executive order aimed at making D.C. "safe and beautiful" resulted in the clearance of most homeless encampments.
- The deployment saw multiple federal agencies, including the FBI, Department of Homeland Security, and Border Patrol, patrolling the streets of Washington.
- Despite the Trump administration's narrative of rising crime in D.C., the Department of Justice has disputed this claim, and Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee noted a 28% decrease in overall crime in Oakland compared to the previous year.
- The deployment of National Guard troops has been a topic of debate, with forums discussing its necessity and effectiveness in addressing crime and public safety concerns.
- After 30 days, the White House must seek Congressional approval to maintain control over the city's police force under the Home Rule Act of 1973.
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