Trump Deploys National Guard to Tackle Crime in Washington

File image: California National Guard members stand guard outside the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building in Los Angeles on June 10, 2025.

US President Donald Trump announced plans to deploy the National Guard and federal law enforcement in Washington, DC, aiming to curb violent crime in the nation’s capital.

Speaking at a White House news conference, Trump said he would place the DC Metropolitan Police under direct federal control while sending in the National Guard to assist.

Washington, a predominantly Democratic city, has been accused by Republican politicians of being overwhelmed by crime, homelessness, and financial mismanagement — though official data shows violent crime has decreased.

“This is Liberation Day in DC, and we’re going to take our capital back,” Trump declared.

Trump, who has pardoned around 1,500 individuals involved in the 2021 Capitol riot, has criticised local police and prosecutors for not being tough enough. He has repeatedly threatened a federal takeover of the city, saying crime was “totally out of control.”

His new approach mirrors previous policies where active-duty troops were deployed against protesters and the southern border was tightly controlled through mass deportations.

The president also indicated plans to expand this strategy to other cities, citing issues in New York and Chicago.

Unlike states, Washington operates under a unique federal relationship, limiting its autonomy. Since the 1970s, residents have elected a mayor and city council, but Congress still controls the city’s budget.

At a protest outside the White House, critic Elizabeth Critchley said, “There’s absolutely no need for the National Guard here. It’s all for show. It’s just a big theatre.”

Washington police data shows a significant drop in violent crime from 2023 to 2024, though this follows a post-pandemic spike.

Ahead of the announcement, Trump posted on social media about tackling homeless encampments, after signing an order last month making it easier to arrest homeless individuals.

He demanded that homeless people “move out” of the city, promising to “make our Capital safer and more beautiful than it ever was before.” While offering “places to stay,” he insisted these would be “far from the Capital,” adding that criminals would be jailed swiftly.

Federal agencies have already increased their presence following an attack on a government official during an attempted carjacking.

“Last week my administration surged 500 federal agents into the district, including FBI, ATF, DEA, Park Police, US Marshals, Secret Service, and Homeland Security,” Trump said. “They made dozens of arrests.”

A recent poll showed 64% of Americans believe crime increased in 2024, although FBI data points to the lowest levels of violent crime nationwide in over 50 years.

“Let me be crystal clear — crime in DC is ending, and it’s ending today,” said Attorney General Pam Bondi.

Trump praised Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser as “a good person who has tried,” but said she had been given “many chances” to improve living standards. Bowser has not publicly opposed Trump’s plans, choosing instead to focus on “shared priorities.”