president Trump is mobilizing the US National Guard to address what he labels as a crisis in criminal activity, with approximately 800 troops set to be dispatched to Washington DC.
In a 78-minute news conference, United States President Donald Trump announced his decision to take control of the Washington, DC Metropolitan Police Department and deploy National Guard troops. The move is aimed at addressing an alleged emergency public safety crisis due to violent crime and lawlessness in the city [1][4].
The administration framed the situation as a public safety crisis, referring to Washington, D.C. as “a city ravaged by violence, crime, murders, and property theft,” and arguing that federal intervention was necessary to restore law and order [2][4]. The National Guard deployment is part of a broader, maximalist legal approach to use military authority domestically [4].
However, official crime statistics and independent analyses contradict the claim of worsening violence in D.C. Data show that overall violent crime in Washington, D.C. has been steadily declining since mid-2023. For instance, aggravated assaults dropped by about 65% since their peak in September 2021, and gun assaults are down 61% from their July 2023 peak [3].
There is significant debate about the legality, necessity, and motives behind these actions. Critics have raised concerns about the militarization of local law enforcement, potential overreach of emergency powers, and political motives, especially given D.C.’s unique status under federal control and its predominantly Democratic population [4][5].
According to the Home Rule Act, the president can take control of the city's police force if "special conditions of an emergency nature exist" [5]. The Home Rule Act of 1973 gave Washington, D.C. a significant degree of self-government for the first time. The National Guard will operate under Title 32 status, remaining under local control but funded by the federal government [5].
The National Guard duties include administrative, logistics, and physical presence in support of law enforcement. Between 100-200 National Guard soldiers will support law enforcement at any given time. Federal law enforcement officers will be tasked with protecting federal buildings and national monuments during the National Guard deployment [1].
Trump announced the deployment of 800 National Guard troops to Washington, D.C. The Pentagon is prepared to bring in other National Guard units with specialized skills if necessary [1]. National Guard troops are not expected to openly carry rifles while patrolling the streets [5].
Despite the federal takeover, Mayor Muriel Bowser asserts that the city still has control over its police department [5]. US Attorney General Pam Bondi will oversee the city's police force while it is under federal control [1]. It's worth noting that violent crime in Washington, D.C. has been at a 30-year low, according to Mayor Bowser [2].
Preliminary 2025 data indicates a continuing decline in violent offenses in Washington, D.C., with homicides falling by 12 percent and assaults with dangerous weapons declining by 20 percent [1]. US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated that the Guard would begin flowing into D.C. this week [1]. The National Guard is not bound by the Posse Comitatus Act while operating under Title 32 status [1].
[1] The Washington Post [2] NBC News [3] D.C. Police Department [4] The New York Times [5] CNN
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
