DC authorities respond to Trump's decision to dispatch National Guard and assume control over MPD
In a developing story, D.C. leaders have strongly criticized President Trump's decision to place the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) under federal control and deploy the National Guard. The move, they argue, is an abuse of power and harmful to D.C. home rule.
Key reactions include:
- D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson called the federal takeover and National Guard deployment an "extreme, outrageous, and dangerous move" that is "wrong" for the city. He emphasized that soldiers are trained for warfare, not community policing, and noted a 52% drop in violent crime in D.C. over the last two years, arguing that local leaders are already committed to increasing safety. Mendelson suggested the move might be a political distraction rather than a genuine safety effort.
- Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton condemned the decision as "counterproductive, potentially dangerous, and an egregious assault on D.C. home rule."
- The DC Police Union supported the federal intervention as a temporary necessary response to rising crime, but stressed the goal should be to restore and support a fully staffed MPD capable of protecting the city independently.
- Other officials and commentators acknowledged the National Guard’s role mainly increases the visibility of law enforcement presence, without changing law enforcement capabilities such as investigations or arrests, which remain with local police.
Overall, D.C. leaders view Trump's action as undermining local authority and home rule, unnecessary given recent crime reductions, and potentially harmful to community relations and public safety. In contrast, the DC Police Union supports the temporary federal involvement as a crime response measure.
Meanwhile, Norton has suggested confirming judges to the D.C. Courts to address a perpetual vacancy crisis and advocated for the passage of her D.C. statehood bill to provide D.C. the same protections the states enjoy. She also pointed out that Trump's decision is justified by misleading citation of years-old statistics.
Rep. Dr. Oye Owolewa criticized Trump's decision as an unprecedented overreach that violates local sovereignty. He highlighted that violent crime has dropped by 26% under Mayor Bowser and Chief Smith, and DC has less crime than Memphis, New Orleans, and St. Louis.
The U.S. Interior Press stated that the U.S. Park Police are committed to protecting DC from rampant crime to ensure safety for residents, workers, and visitors.
As the situation continues to develop, D.C. leaders and residents are closely watching the impact of Trump's decision on their city's safety, sovereignty, and home rule.
- D.C. leaders and residents are examining the repercussions of President Trump's decision, as they believe it threatens the city's safety, sovereignty, and home rule, based on recent drops in violent crime and local efforts to enhance community policing.
- While the DC Police Union supports the temporary federal intervention due to rising crime, other officials and commentators assert that the National Guard's deployment primarily increases law enforcement visibility without augmenting law enforcement capabilities, such as investigations or arrests, which remain under local authority.
