In an effort to fulfill his campaign promise of being a “law and order” president, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Monday the deployment of military and federal law enforcement to curb violent crime in Washington. The Republican leader stated he would place the city’s Metropolitan Police under direct federal control and send the National Guard into the streets of the U.S. capital.
Republican politicians have criticized the predominantly Democratic city, alleging it is overwhelmed by crime, plagued by homelessness, and mismanaged financially, despite a recorded decrease in violent offenses. “This is Liberation Day in DC, and we’re going to take our capital back,” Trump declared.
Trump, a convicted felon who had previously granted clemency to nearly 1,600 individuals involved in the 2021 U.S. Capitol riot, has expressed dissatisfaction with what he perceives as a lack of toughness from local police and prosecutors. He announced that 800 D.C. National Guardsmen—”and much more if necessary”—would be deployed to the city of 700,000.
As Trump delivered his speech at the White House, a small group of protesters gathered outside. Elizabeth Critchley, a 62-year-old retiree, held a sign that read, “DC says freedom not fascism,” and commented, “There is absolutely no need for the National Guard here. It’s all for show. It’s just a big theater.”
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who was among several cabinet officials flanking Trump, mentioned that “other specialized” National Guard units could also be deployed. He added, “They will be strong, they will be tough, and they will stand with their law enforcement partners.” This new approach mirrors Trump’s previous immigration policies, which led to mass deportations and the effective sealing of the southern border, as well as the deployment of active-duty troops against protesters in Los Angeles.
The president informed reporters that he plans to extend this policy to other cities, specifically mentioning New York and Chicago. Washington, unlike the 50 states, has a unique relationship with the federal government that limits its autonomy and gives Congress significant control over local matters. Since the mid-1970s, the Home Rule Act has allowed residents to elect a mayor and city council, although Congress retains control over the city’s budget.
Data from the Washington police shows a significant drop in violent crime between 2023 and 2024, following a post-pandemic surge. Ahead of the press conference, Trump posted on social media about his intention to address homeless encampments, following an order he signed last month that made it easier to arrest homeless individuals. He promised to provide “places to stay” for these individuals, but “FAR from the Capital.” Trump stated that criminals would be jailed and that these actions would happen “very fast.”
Federal law enforcement had already increased its presence after a former Department of Government Efficiency staffer was assaulted during an attempted carjacking. Trump said, “Last week my administration surged 500 federal agents into the district including from the FBI, ATF, DEA, Park Police, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Secret Service, and the Department of Homeland Security.” He added, “They made dozens of arrests.”
A Gallup poll from October indicated that 64% of Americans believed crime had increased in 2024, despite FBI data showing that violent crime levels nationwide are at their lowest in more than half a century. Attorney General Pam Bondi declared, “Let me be crystal clear — crime in DC is ending, and it’s ending today.”
