Trump deploys National Guard to Washington, D.C., and takes over city police department

President Trump exercised his power over Washington on Monday, announcing that he’ll “rescue” the nation’s capital by deploying the National Guard and taking over the city’s police department to combat crime and homelessness. Here’s what you need to know about the D.C. federal takeover:

The National Guard deployment

Trump announces military intervention in nation’s capital:

• “I’m deploying the National Guard to help reestablish law and order and public safety in Washington, D.C.”
• “We’re going to take our capital back” according to Trump
• President made announcement at White House press conference Monday
• Deployment aimed at combating crime and homelessness

The crime statistics dispute

Trump claims worsening crime despite police data showing improvement:

• President said crime in District is out of control
• Metropolitan Police Department statistics show overall crime down 7% compared with last year
• Violent crime down 26% according to local police data
• “It’s not getting better, it’s getting worse” Trump said

The historical context

District faced significant crime surge in recent years:

• In 2023, District hit 20-year high with 274 homicides
• Carjackings same year soared to more than 100 per month
• Numbers provide backdrop for Trump’s intervention
• Recent years saw significant increases in violent crime

Hegseth’s military commitment

Defense Secretary outlines deployment timeline:

• Pete Hegseth said National Guard will be “flowing into the streets of Washington in coming weeks”
• Did not rule out mobilizing other military branches
• Including “specialized units” to combat crime
• “They will be strong. They will be tough and they will stand with our law enforcement partners”

The DOGE staffer incident

Recent assault prompted federal takeover threat:

• Announcement comes week after Trump threatened federal takeover
• Followed assault on Edward Coristine, Department of Government Efficiency staffer
• Incident occurred during attempted carjacking
• Metropolitan Police arrested 15-year-old boy and 15-year-old girl, charged with unarmed carjacking

The weekend enforcement surge

Trump increased federal law enforcement presence:

• Over weekend, Trump deployed hundreds of FBI and Secret Service personnel
• Other federal agencies also patrolling city
• Tasked with helping local law enforcement crack down on carjackings
• Federal officers working with local police on violent crime

The military precedent

National Guard deployment part of broader Trump military strategy:

• “Most recent example of Mr. Trump’s increasing use of the military to carry out his agenda on American soil”
• Approach used by “few presidents” because it “spurs fears of over-militarization”
• Trump flexing military power for domestic law enforcement
• Expansion of federal military involvement in local policing

The arrest highlights

White House fact sheet details weekend law enforcement actions:

• Man arrested for carrying pistol without license
• Another charged with firearm possession, unregistered ammunition, intent to distribute narcotics
• Individual wanted on outstanding warrant for cruelty to elderly
• Fact sheet distributed ahead of Trump’s press conference

The legal authority

Congressional approval needed for complete federal control:

• Trump has authority to take control of local police
• Would need Congressional assistance for full federal takeover
• Congress would have to appeal 1973 Home Rule Act
• Home Rule Act granted Washington limited self-governance

The legislative efforts

Utah senator introduces supporting legislation:

• Sen. Mike Lee, Utah Republican, introduced legislation to end Washington’s Home Rule Law
• Current law allows residents to elect mayor and city council
• Lee’s bill would eliminate local governance oversight
• Would facilitate complete federal control

Mayor Bowser’s pushback

D.C. mayor disputes Trump’s crime characterization:

• Muriel Bowser pushed back on claims Washington overrun with crime and chaos
• “If the priority is to show force in an American city, we know [Trump] can do that here”
• “But it won’t be because there’s a spike in crime” according to Bowser
• Made comments in MSNBC interview

The crime data details

Local police statistics show significant improvements:

• Violent crime down 26% compared to last year
• “Significant declines in shootings, carjackings and muggings”
• Crimes had “surged in 2022 and 2023” according to local police data
• However, “number of assaults on high-profile individuals” including Cabinet members occurred

The international comparison

White House disputes D.C. safety using global data:

• White House says Washington among “most dangerous world capitals”
• Just under 30 murders per 100,000 residents last year
• Bogota, Colombia; Mexico City; Lima, Peru; London and Paris have “much lower rates”
• White House fact sheets provide international comparison data

The March executive order

Trump previously established D.C. safety task force:

• Signed executive order in March to make D.C. “safe and beautiful”
• Established task force to work with local officials on safety issues
• Increased federal law enforcement presence in city
• Earlier effort to address District security concerns

The Los Angeles precedent

Trump bypassed governor for previous National Guard deployment:

• Earlier this year deployed thousands of National Guard troops to Los Angeles
• Bypassed California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat
• Troops deployed to combat protests over ICE raids
• Newsom and L.A. Mayor Karen Bass called move “overreach”

The historical military use

Trump used federal forces during first presidential term:

• Called for National Guard during 2020 violent protests
• Response to protests following George Floyd murder
• White police officer killed Floyd in Minneapolis
• Established precedent for domestic military deployment

Read more:

• Trump deploys National Guard to D.C. as federal government takes over Metro police