President Takes Control of DC Police
President Donald Trump placed the Washington, DC, police department under direct federal control on Monday. He deployed National Guard troops to Washington, DC, responding to a public safety emergency after an assault on a former government worker. Trump declared, “Washington, D.C. will be LIBERATED today!” on Truth Social. District officials learned about the announcement only after Trump’s statement.
Home Rule Act Empowers Federal Action
The Home Rule Act of 1973 provides the legal mechanism for temporary federal oversight in Washington, DC. Congress oversees the capital while residents have limited self-governance. The Act allows the president to take control of the city’s police for up to 48 hours during emergencies requiring the department’s use for federal needs. Trump’s move marks the first time a president has exercised these emergency powers. Extending federal control beyond two days requires a formal notice to congressional committee leaders, while a takeover longer than 30 days needs congressional approval and legislative passage.
President Donald Trump speaks during a news conference on Monday
District Leaders React to the Federal Takeover
Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser addressed the press on Monday. She stated that Trump’s move was “unsettling and unprecedented.” Bowser said Trump’s perception of DC came from his experience during his first term when Covid coincided with a rise in crime. Police Union chairman Greggory Pemberton expressed support, noting the union agrees “something needs to be done.”
National Guard and Federal Law Enforcement Collaborate
Trump activated 800 DC National Guard soldiers, with up to 200 assigned to aid law enforcement. The Defence Department confirmed the personnel would perform administrative, logistical, and support duties for law enforcement. Trump also ordered officers from federal agencies, including up to 130 FBI agents, to patrol neighbourhoods with DC police. Federal law enforcement agencies headquartered in the city operate under direct administration supervision.
Blah blah blah…Listen up Fuckface: If you wanna ‘liberate’ Washington D.C. by reestablishing law, order & public safety, and rid the city of crime & bedlam, why don’t you & your GOP thugs get the fuck outta there? You’re the biggest criminals in America. pic.twitter.com/utGgCAJZJ9
— Canada Hates Trump (@AntiTrumpCanada) August 11, 2025
Crime Figures Decline in Washington, DC
Despite Trump’s concerns about violent crime in Washington, DC, data revealed a steady decline in recent years. The city reported 274 homicides in 2023, its highest figure since 1997. Homicides dropped by 32% in 2024 to 187 and fell another 12% in 2025 with 99 incidents registered as of Sunday. Carjackings followed this downward trend. The city saw 959 carjackings in 2023. Numbers fell to around 500 in 2024 and decreased further to 188 incidents in 2025 by Saturday. July recorded the lowest carjacking figures since May 2020.
The thing about Trump sending troops into DC is that he is still in the Epstein files. pic.twitter.com/WNrGz1ep2p
— Anonymous (@YourAnonNews) August 11, 2025
Wider Trends Across Major US Cities
Other cities historically associated with high homicide rates, including Philadelphia, Chicago, St. Louis, Baltimore, and Detroit, have registered significant drops in violent crime during 2024 and 2025. Overall crime figures reflect sustained improvement across the nation.
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Legal Challenge Over National Guard Deployment
Trump’s declaration came as administration lawyers appeared in court for a trial involving the legality of National Guard deployment in California in June. The case followed protests over immigration raids in Los Angeles, raising questions about the extent of presidential emergency powers.
Congressional Gridlock Complicates Long-Term Takeover
Any move to extend control over DC’s police force beyond 30 days requires congressional approval. Given congressional divisions, passing such a measure remains unlikely under current circumstances. Trump’s actions underscore the balance of local and federal authority established in the Home Rule Act.
Federal Control Sparks Debate In Capital
Trump’s use of emergency powers in Washington, DC, stirred strong reactions among district leaders and residents. The debate continues as data shows violent crime on the decline and federal agencies strengthen cooperation with local police.
District residents see federal control and increased law enforcement presence as a turning point. Leaders and agencies watch developments closely as the capital adapts to this historic move.
