Trump takes over DC police in an extraordinary move, saying he will deploy 800 National Guard troops to the capital and place the city’s police under temporary federal control.
The step bypasses Washington’s elected leadership. The president said the action is needed to curb lawlessness.
Trump takes over DC police amid falling crime and legal tests
At a White House news conference, he said, “Our capital city has been overtaken by violent gangs and bloodthirsty criminals.”
Officials said Guard units will provide administrative, logistics and visible support alongside law enforcement.
Between 100 and 200 troops will assist at any given time.
City leaders pushed back. They noted that violent crime spiked in 2023 but has been declining since.
Washington’s mayor said last year’s violent crime was at its lowest level in more than three decades.
The order follows a pattern from the president’s second term. He has used executive authority in ways that break with recent norms.
It is the second time this summer that he has sent troops to a Democrat-led city.
A federal trial opened in San Francisco to test whether he broke US law by deploying the National Guard to Los Angeles in June without the California governor’s approval.
The case could shape future interventions. The president has signalled other cities could be next, including Chicago.
For residents of the capital, police, courts and city services remain open.
Security will be more visible around key sites.
The move deepens tension between the White House and local officials, while the courts weigh how far federal power can reach over city policing.
