President Trump Announces Plan to Send National Guard to Washington, D.C.

Residents of Washington, D.C., where crime rates have been decreasing, are set to see increased military presence as part of President Trump’s efforts to portray the city as dangerous. The plan involves deploying the National Guard to patrol the streets, a move Trump refers to as a step towards restoring order, claiming it will eliminate crime and filth in the capital. Additionally, approximately 120 FBI agents will be temporarily reassigned to support nighttime patrols.

Trump in the briefing room.
Alex Brandon/AP

This escalation follows Trump’s previous militarization efforts in Los Angeles, where thousands of National Guard members and Marines were deployed during protests against immigration policies. In Washington, Trump’s justification stems from a single incident involving a former government employee, Edward Coristine, known as “Big Balls,” who was assaulted and the subject of an attempted carjacking. Two teenagers were arrested in connection with the attack, which Trump seized upon to criticize the city’s safety.

Despite Trump’s claims, crime in D.C., including carjackings, has been declining steadily, reaching a 30-year low earlier this year. Mayor Muriel Bowser responded by stating that comparing D.C. to a war zone is an exaggeration. Meanwhile, the federal government has cut security funding for the city by $20 million.

What does the federal takeover entail?

Trump announced he would invoke Section 740 of the Home Rule Act, granting him authority over the Metropolitan Police Department in emergencies. He has repeatedly stretched what constitutes an emergency, using this power to justify increased military and police presence, often based on exaggerated or false statistics.

Illustrating the escalation, federal agents were seen responding swiftly to minor incidents, including a traffic accident that drew dozens of agents equipped with rifles, demonstrating the potential for heavy-handed policing in the city.

Concerns Over Authority and Safety

Section 740 allows the president to assume control over D.C.’s police during crises, but critics argue Trump often misuses this authority for political gain. Trump has long criticized the city’s police presence, claiming it is insufficient, and now declares the situation warrants a significant federal takeover, promising residents will feel safer with more officers on duty.