WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump made decisive moves on Monday in an effort to combat crime in the nation’s capital. He announced a plan to federalize parts of Washington, D.C., asserting that it’s necessary despite local leaders claiming that crime rates have dropped.
Using his authority, the president took control of the Metropolitan Police Department and called in the National Guard. This action reflects constitutional powers that provide greater federal oversight in D.C. compared to other cities. It wasn’t until 1973, under Republican President Richard Nixon, that residents of D.C. could elect their own mayor and city council, yet the federal government still holds significant power in the area.
Trump activated the National Guard citing recent violent incidents, including the heartbreaking murder of a young congressional intern. He characterized the day as “liberation day” for the capital, emphasizing the need to reclaim safety in the city.
While Trump’s actions drew criticism, particularly from D.C.’s Democratic Mayor Muriel Bowser, who claimed crime has reached a 30-year low, the statistics reveal a more complicated picture. For instance, carjackings significantly fell in 2024, although juvenile offenders are increasingly involved, raising questions on how to handle such cases.
The legal authority behind these actions is rooted in Section 740 of the Home Rule Act, which allows the president to oversee the police department for emergency situations. Historically, no president has used this power, making Trump’s approach unprecedented.
The National Guard was previously deployed during the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020, and it played a role again in January 2021 when the Capitol was stormed.
As Trump navigates this controversial move, questions linger about its duration and potential legal challenges. In Congress, there’s ongoing debate over whether to modify the Home Rule Act to grant more federal control, but such changes could meet stiff opposition from Democrats.
Experts note that Trump’s bold actions in D.C. could signal a willingness to employ similar tactics in other cities facing crime challenges, which is a concern for many across the nation.
