Police car is parked near protestors in DC
Share and Follow

() National Guard troops are expected to be on the ground in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday in accordance with President Donald Trump’s law enforcement takeover, a White House official told .

The federal government currently controls the district’s police, and it will likely be that way for at least a month.

Trump has portrayed the takeover which he announced Monday alongside the deployment of 800 D.C. National Guard troops as a way to curb crime in the nation’s capital. If it lasts longer than 30 days, the move will require congressional approval.

Trump described D.C. as a center of “bloodshed, bedlam and squalor,” despite violent crime numbers on the decline.

“Our capital city has been overtaken by violent gangs and bloodthirsty criminals, roving mobs of wild youth, drugged-out maniacs and homeless people, and we’re not going to let it happen anymore,” the president told a packed White House press briefing room.

The activated federal troops won’t openly carry weapons, but they will help law enforcement with logistics, an Army spokesperson told .

DC police welcome National Guard, while others protest

Following Monday’s announcement, a rally formed outside the White House opposing Trump’s plans for the congressionally established federal district.

Residents who spoke with weren’t sold on the president’s claims of rampant violent crime.

“I think D.C. is already one of the most policed cities in the country, and this is clearly just meant to further brutalize Black and brown people,” said Rebecca, a D.C. resident of 10 years. “Being in the city, small crime is a part of life, you know. You get lots of benefits to city life and you have to deal with a little bit of crime too.”

  • Police car is parked near protestors in DC
  • Protestors rally against Trump administration in Washington, D.C. holding a sign reading FREE DC
  • Trump holds up a graph from a podium at the White House
  • Trump speaking onstage from the White House flanked by officials

Violent crime in D.C. is down 26% from last year, according to data from Washington’s Metropolitan Police.

When compared to the district’s peak numbers in 2023, homicides are down 32%, armed carjackings are down 53% and assaults with a dangerous weapon are down 27%.

Gregg Pemberton, D.C. police union chief, told ‘s “CUOMO” that he and his department are fully on board with the troops’ help.

“I think they will have a big impact on actually being able to make arrests and do investigations. So, we welcome all of this help,” Pemberton said Monday.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, however, called the takeover “unsettling and unnecessary.”

Will Trump deploy National Guard troops in other cities?

Trump named New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles and Oakland as potential places to expand his crackdown.

He didn’t give details on when or how that would happen, but he urged those cities to watch what plays out in D.C. and to clean up their act.

Last week, the U.S. Conference of Mayors, which is made up of about 1,400 city leaders from across the country, pointed to an FBI report that showed violent crime nationwide dropped 4.5% from 2023 to 2024.

‘s Anna Kutz, Joe KhalilSean Noone and the Associated Press contributed to this report.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
GOP senator blasts 'unprecedented' probe into Fed chair Jerome Powell

GOP Senator Condemns ‘Unprecedented’ Investigation Targeting Fed Chair Jerome Powell: What It Means for the Economy

A Republican senator has sharply criticized the “unprecedented” criminal investigation targeting Federal…
Luigi Mangione judge summons Pennsylvania cop to court to testify on backpack search

Pennsylvania Officer Summoned to Court by Judge Luigi Mangione Over Controversial Backpack Search Testimony

In a surprising turn of events on Monday, a federal judge has…
How 'Old Hollywood' glamour is well and truly back

Reviving Elegance: The Resurgence of ‘Old Hollywood’ Glamour in Today’s Fashion Scene

Last night’s Golden Globes red carpet was a dazzling homage to the…
Maxim Naumov makes US Olympic figure skating team 1 year after parents' tragic death in DC plane crash

Maxim Naumov Triumphs: Joins US Olympic Figure Skating Team After Overcoming Family Tragedy

ST. LOUIS — As the countdown to the Milan Cortina Olympics begins,…
Iran’s ‘distinctive’ drone deployment sees death toll soar amid violent protests

Iran’s Drone Strategy Escalates Violence: Death Toll Rises Amid Intensified Protests

Iran’s stringent measures against widespread protests intensified on Sunday, with emerging reports…
Five severed heads found hanging on Ecuador beach amid escalating gang clashes

Chilling Discovery: Severed Heads Found on Ecuador Beach as Gang Violence Intensifies

In a chilling incident that highlights the escalating gang violence in Ecuador,…
Chicago Bears to face Los Angeles Rams in divisional round of NFL playoffs after beating Green Bay Packers in wild-care game

Chicago Bears Set to Clash with Los Angeles Rams in High-Stakes Divisional Playoff Showdown

As the Chicago Bears prepare to face off against the Los Angeles…
Mattel adds an autistic Barbie to doll line devoted to showcasing diversity and inclusion

Meet Barbie’s New Role Model: Mattel Introduces First Autistic Doll Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion

Mattel Inc., the renowned toy manufacturer, is set to launch a new…