Militia Deployed in Washington D.C. Streets Amidst "Remarkable" Declines in City Crime Rates
The nation's capital, Washington DC, has seen an unusual development with the deployment of National Guard troops, a move initiated by President Trump. Despite the promise of increased law and order, the decision has sparked controversy and raised questions about its necessity.
Mayor Muriel Bowser expressed her concerns, calling the deployment "unsettling and unprecedented." She also clarified that the National Guard would not have the power to arrest people, as they report directly to the president in this case. However, the army did not specify any specific locations for the deployment.
In a statement, President Trump promised to take temporary control over the district's police department, a move that, under Section 740 of the D.C. Home Rule Act, he does not legally possess. The Mayor retains control over the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and the police chief appointed by her remains in command.
The deployment of some of the planned 800 troops occurred, despite Washington's mayor revealing that crime in the city is at its lowest level in 30 years. The Democrats and other critics have labelled this move as "political theatre."
Troops have begun arriving in Washington DC, with them carrying their standard issue firearms, usually rifles, close at hand but not armed during regular duties. President Trump has threatened to repeat this deployment in other big cities.
Crime statistics, though not extensively provided, indicate a significant rise in violent crime in D.C., leading to the administration's declaration of a "crime emergency." However, official data also showed a steep decline in crime in Washington DC in 2025, after dropping 35% in 2024 compared with 2023.
Mayor Bowser stated that she would use the extra personnel from the National Guard to reduce crime further. The White House official who spoke about the deployment did so anonymously. Jeanine Pirro, the US attorney for the capital, dismissed a question about comparing violence in Washington to other cities, stating "All I know is we rank in death. I don't need any more statistics."
In the states, the National Guard troops answer to the governor except when called into federal service. The controversy surrounding the federal takeover attempt and the National Guard deployments has led experts and watchdogs to view this move as politically motivated and potentially harmful to democracy and public safety.
[1] DCist [2] The Hill [3] The Washington Post
- Amidst the deployment of National Guard troops in Washington DC, politicians and watchdogs are questioning the necessity of the move, with some viewing it as a politically motivated act that could harm democracy and public safety.
- Despite the declining crime rates in Washington DC and controversy surrounding the deployment, President Trump has threatened to repeat the National Guard deployments in other major cities, raising concerns about the politicization of war-and-conflicts and the role of politics in general-news.
