President Donald Trump has declared intentions to deploy the National Guard to address crime and homelessness in Washington, D.C. The US President announced that Washington’s police force will now fall under federal jurisdiction and suggested that similar actions could be taken in other locations.
During a White House press conference, Trump, accompanied by top officials, emphasized the possibility of involving the military if necessary to address what he referred to as a “public safety emergency.” He stated that officers from the District of Columbia National Guard would be dispatched to support law enforcement efforts, labeling the initiative as “Liberation Day” for the capital.
Trump unveiled these new measures following his assertion on social media that Washington had become one of the most perilous cities globally. Citing recent incidents, including the tragic killing of a Congressional intern and an assault on a Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) employee during a carjacking attempt, Trump outlined his administration’s response to the escalating crime rates.
Attorney General Pam Bondi has been tasked with overseeing the city’s police force, with Trump indicating that the crackdown on crime would extend beyond Washington, emphasizing a swift and comprehensive cleanup. He expressed his dismay at having to address the pressing public safety issues prior to his upcoming meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
In his remarks, Trump drew comparisons between crime rates in Washington and other cities, mentioning a doubling of statistics in Baghdad without specifying the data source. Despite the lack of clarity, official police figures indicate a decrease in homicides, robberies, and burglaries compared to the same period last year, with an overall reduction of violent crime by 26%.
Trump criticized the infiltration of Washington by violent gangs and criminals, denouncing the presence of drug addicts and homeless individuals, and vowed to eradicate the city’s slums. He previously indicated his contemplation of federal intervention in Washington, citing concerns over escalating crime levels and safety issues following a high-profile assault on a DOGE member.
Around 500 federal law enforcement officers are being deployed across Washington as part of the administration’s anti-crime strategy, with a significant presence of FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives agents in the capital. This move aligns with Trump’s focus on enhancing law enforcement efforts following his border security initiatives, raising questions about the federal government’s role in collaboration with local authorities.
Trump’s consideration of involving the National Guard drew skepticism from Mayor Muriel Bowser, who questioned the efficiency of such action in enforcing city laws. Bowser highlighted the need for additional prosecutors and judicial appointments to address the city’s legal challenges effectively, emphasizing that the decision to deploy the Guard rests with the President.
Following Trump’s social media posts highlighting Washington’s crime issues, Bowser defended the city’s progress in reducing violent crime rates since a spike in 2023, countering Trump’s portrayal of the district as a dangerous location. Protests outside the White House ensued in response to Trump’s announcements, with demonstrators advocating to keep federal intervention at bay.
In a separate post, Trump underscored the urgency of relocating the homeless population from Washington, proposing alternative accommodations while asserting a strict stance on criminal offenders. The President’s directives reflect his administration’s proactive approach to public safety concerns, signaling a robust stance on combating crime and restoring order in the nation’s capital.