US President Donald Trump announced a significant federal intervention in Washington, D.C., including taking control of the city’s police force and deploying the National Guard.
Key details of the intervention:
- Federalization of D.C. Police:Â Trump stated he was invoking powers under the District of Columbia Home Rule Act to place the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department under direct federal control. This marks the first time in history a president has federalized D.C.’s police force in this manner, according to Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton.
- National Guard Deployment:Â Trump also deployed 800 National Guard troops to D.C. The White House indicated these troops would help protect federal assets and deter violent crime. The President has direct control over the D.C. National Guard, unlike state National Guard units controlled by governors.
- Stated Reason:Â Trump cited a need to address a surge in violent crime in D.C., describing the situation as “something’s out of control”.
- Local Opposition:Â D.C. officials, including Mayor Muriel Bowser and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, have strongly opposed the move, characterizing it as an assault on D.C. home rule and unnecessary. They point to official D.C. Police Department data showing a decrease in violent crime and overall crime in 2025 compared to 2024.
- Scope and Duration:Â The intervention was initially announced as a seven-day operation with the option to extend it as needed.Â
