Troops from the National Guard mobilize on the streets of Washington D.C., enforcing President Trump's anti-crime decree
In a move aimed at addressing crime and securing key locations, over 2,000 National Guard troops have been deployed to Washington D.C. as part of a federal operation. The deployment, directed by President Donald Trump and Secretary of Defense, includes troops from Washington D.C. and six Republican-led states [1][2].
The D.C. National Guard operates under federal authority due to D.C.'s unique status, and their role is to support the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department and federal law enforcement partners, enhance community safety, and drive down crime in the city [1]. However, prior to the deployment, violent crime in D.C. was at a 30-year low [1][2].
The Justice Department has launched an investigation into allegations that local crime statistics were manipulated [2]. The deployment has been criticized by local activists and community leaders as an overreach, given that it represents a significant federal takeover of policing functions [2].
D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith stated that the police department will work side by side with federal partners, but in most cases, the troops won't be carrying firearms [1]. National Guard troops will be engaged in crowd management, perimeter control, security, and communications support for law enforcement [1]. They will not be making arrests in the city.
The deployment is scheduled to last until September 25, with about 800 soldiers expected to be activated for this mobilization, and some troops started deploying with D.C. police on Tuesday night [1]. The meeting between Mayor Bowser, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and several top Justice Department officials was described as "productive" [1].
Greggory Pemberton, chairman of the D.C. Police Union, supports Trump's moves, including federalizing the Metropolitan Police Department, but believes it will only have a temporary impact without more far-reaching changes [1]. Pemberton argues that one of the main reasons local law enforcement can't get a handle on the crime is a staffing shortage of more than 800 officer vacancies and laws enacted by the City Council that prevent them from being able to do their job effectively [1].
Jim Lardner, a protester in D.C., believes Trump's actions are a distraction from other issues his administration faces [1]. Despite the deployment, crime overall has gone down by only 7% in the district over the same period, according to police department statistics, which also show a 26% decrease in violent crime over the last year in the district [1].
The deployment comes amidst political tensions, including Congress withholding approximately $1.1 billion of locally raised D.C. funds, complicating local governance and resource allocation [2]. This context has contributed to disputes about the legitimacy and effectiveness of the National Guard presence in the city.
[1] ABC News. (2025, August). National Guard Deployed to Washington D.C. to Address Crime. Retrieved from https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/national-guard-deployed-washington-dc-address-crime-70038187
[2] The Washington Post. (2025, August). National Guard Deployment in Washington D.C.: What We Know So Far. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-politics/national-guard-deployment-washington-dc-what-we-know-so-far/2025/08/01/e67c3f68-07f1-11ed-91b3-2d41d61d3621_story.html
The deployment of National Guard troops, under the guidance of President Trump and the Secretary of Defense, is scheduled to last until September 25. Despite the troop presence, crime overall has decreased by only 7% in the district, according to police department statistics. This deployment, which includes troops from D.C. and six Republican-led states, has been met with criticism, with many arguing it represents a significant federal takeover of policing functions. The Justice Department are also investigating allegations that local crime statistics have been manipulated.
