Extraordinary move: President Trump takes over DC police, deploys National Guard in US capital

Washington (Web Desk): In response to the alleged growing lawlessness in the US capital, Washington D.C., President Donald Trump has taken a tough stance by deploying 800 National Guard troops. In addition, control of the city's Metropolitan Police has been handed directly to the federal government.

According to international news agency Reuters, this decision was made while bypassing local Democratic leadership, highlighting President Trump’s continued use of executive powers during his second term. This marks the second instance where Trump has opted for military deployment in a city with a Democratic majority. Earlier in June, he had also deployed 5,000 National Guard troops in Los Angeles.

During a press conference at the White House, Trump referred to the homeless population, violent groups, and drug-addicted youth in the capital as a threat, stating, "Our capital has been taken over."

The President emphasized that the primary aim of these measures was to ensure the safety of Washington. However, critics argue that forcibly removing homeless individuals could be inhumane and devastating, especially for those who are ill or have families and healthcare facilities in the area.

Experts noted that while violent crime rates in Washington had risen in 2023, there was a 35% reduction in such crimes in 2024, and a further 26% decrease in the first seven months of 2025. Trump hinted that similar measures might be considered for other Democratic-controlled cities like Chicago and Los Angeles in the future. He stated, "If needed, we will deploy the National Guard in Chicago, which has been devastated by crime. I hope Los Angeles is watching too."