Trump Deploys National Guard to Strengthen Security After Taking Over Washington DC Police Department

US President Trump said on the 11th that he is deploying the National Guard to help restore law and order and public safety in Washington DC.

This is the second time since Trump took office in January this year that he has deployed the National Guard in a Democrat-led city, following Los Angeles.

At a press conference at the White House, Trump announced he had formally invoked the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, placing the Washington DC Police Department under direct federal control. This move aims to rescue the nation’s capital from rampant crime, chaotic order, and a filthy environment.

He stated: "This is Liberation Day for Washington DC, and we will take back the capital."

He pointed out that the federal government would deploy 800 National Guard members to assist local law enforcement agencies. If necessary, "more personnel" would be sent.

He declared a "public safety emergency" in Washington DC, saying that crime was "out of control" in the district. Attorney General Bondi will take over the DC Police Department.

According to the law, unless Congress approves, the federal government can only take over the police department for 30 days.

Earlier in the day, Trump signed two executive orders: one regarding the federal takeover of the DC Police Department, and another instructing the Secretary of Defense to deploy the National Guard.

The Takeover of Police Department Is "Disturbing"

Washington DC Mayor Bowser pointed out at a press conference on the 11th that President Trump's order for the federal government to take over the DC Police Department is "disturbing" and "unprecedented."

She believes Trump's views on Washington are influenced by his experiences in the city during and just after the COVID-19 pandemic, when violent crime rates surged across the city and the country. However, Washington's violent crime rate has now fallen to its lowest level in 30 years.

In response to Trump’s claim of declaring a "public safety emergency" in DC to take over the police department, Bowser said the District of Columbia Home Rule Act gives the president broad authority to determine the conditions for an emergency. “We can challenge it, but this power is quite broad.”