The Washington DC National Guard started deploying on city streets Tuesday night after Donald Trump ordered control of the local police, calling the capital a “lawless” city despite statistics showing violent crime at a 30-year low. Defense officials confirmed a small group of the roughly 800 guard members were already mobilized by Tuesday afternoon, with more expected to arrive in the coming days. On Monday night, about 850 officers and agents participated in a large law enforcement operation, making nearly two dozen arrests for homicide, firearms violations, possession with intent to distribute narcotics, fare evasion, lewd acts, and stalking. Authorities also seized six illegal handguns.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the arrests are part of a broader effort. “This is only the beginning,” she said. “Over the next month, the administration will work to arrest every violent criminal in the district who breaks the law and endangers law-abiding Americans.” Leavitt also stated that homeless individuals will be offered shelter and access to addiction or mental health services, while those who refuse may face fines or jail time. She noted these laws exist but have not been strictly enforced until now.
DC Mayor Muriel Bowser said she expects the National Guard to operate mainly on federal property, including parks, monuments, and federal buildings. She emphasized cooperation with federal authorities while focusing on effective crime prevention. Bowser highlighted the role of the Metropolitan Police Department and federal officers working together. “We have the best in the business at MPD and Chief Pamela Smith leading the effort to ensure resources are used efficiently,” she said. Bowser stressed that the focus is on making the most of the extra officer support rather than the political circumstances behind the deployment.
Other Democratic mayors expressed concern over Trump’s actions. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson warned that sending in the National Guard could destabilize cities and disrupt local public safety efforts. Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott said the city is safer than in decades, calling the president’s claims misleading. Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee described Trump’s comments as fear-mongering, and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass labeled the move a performative power grab.
Trump claimed other cities, including Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Baltimore, and Oakland, also face high crime rates. Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller amplified this view on social media, asserting that crime statistics in “big blue cities” are falsified. Critics argue this narrative ignores the progress cities have made in reducing crime. The president’s authority over Washington DC allows the federal government more control than in other cities, enabling the police takeover and National Guard deployment. Lawmakers and local leaders warn this could serve as a model for future federal intervention in major cities.
Councilmember Christina Henderson said the capital has historically been used as a testing ground for federal policies. “Even those outside the district should be concerned about these actions,” she said. California Governor Gavin Newsom echoed this warning, cautioning that Trump could militarize any U.S. city. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker criticized the president for lacking legal authority to deploy troops in Chicago, likening the situation to threats against constitutional governance.
Troops have been seen transporting ammunition and setting up positions across federal sites in DC. The focus is on supporting law enforcement while attempting to reduce violent crime and illegal firearms on city streets. Officials say the operation is ongoing and will continue in the coming weeks. The National Guard deployment marks a significant federal intervention in the nation’s capital. Local officials emphasize careful coordination with federal partners, while critics warn the move risks undermining city autonomy and could set a precedent for other U.S. cities.
