On Monday, President Donald Trump directed the deployment of the National Guard to Washington D.C. and took control of the local police force. "We are going to deploy the National Guard to help restore law, order, and public safety here in Washington D.C., and they will be allowed to perform their duties properly," the president announced during a press conference.
Trump further stated, "I am heading to meet with Putin... I do not enjoy standing here discussing how unsafe, dirty, and grimy this once beautiful city has become, with graffiti covering the walls everywhere... We will also eliminate the slums," he added. Additionally, FBI agents will enhance nighttime surveillance and assist the local police. "This is Liberation Day in Washington, and we are going to reclaim our capital... You don't want to get robbed, raped, or killed," he asserted on Monday.
The president envisions that "as you walk down the streets, you will feel very secure. You will see the National Guard, and there will be a significant police presence." This deployment mirrors a similar federal-state clash in California recently, where Trump had sent the National Guard to the Democratic state to curb migrant protests against raids and deportations.
Yesterday, Trump hinted that he would unveil his anti-crime strategy for D.C. Meanwhile, the White House announced last week a seven-day operation aimed at increasing the presence of federal law enforcement in the District.
Currently, nearly 1,000 individuals are homeless in Washington D.C., and the city's 800 readily accessible shelter beds are fully occupied. Washington D.C., traditionally a Democratic stronghold, has consistently voted against Trump. Mayor Muriel Bowser of Washington stated on Sunday that the National Guard "are not police officers." "I don't think it would be the most efficient use of our Guard," she added.
According to official statistics, violent crime in the U.S. capital decreased by 35% in 2024, reaching its lowest levels in the past three decades.
FAQs on Trump's Control of Washington D.C. Police and National Guard Deployment
Why did Trump deploy the National Guard in Washington D.C.?
President Trump deployed the National Guard to restore law, order, and public safety in Washington D.C.
What role will the FBI play in Washington D.C. under this directive?
FBI agents will enhance nighttime surveillance and assist the local police in maintaining order.
What is Mayor Muriel Bowser's stance on the National Guard deployment?
Mayor Bowser expressed that the National Guard are not police officers and questioned the efficiency of their deployment for this purpose.