Trump Deploys National Guard to Washington, Signaling Authority Over City Police

On Monday, President Donald Trump declared that he would deploy 800 National Guard troops to Washington, effectively assuming control over the city’s police force. This move marks a significant assertion of presidential authority, particularly as it bypasses the city's elected leaders and illustrates Trump's tendency to exercise executive power in unprecedented ways during his second term, often in disregard of political traditions.

During a White House news conference, Trump characterized this intervention as necessary to address what he described as an influx of violent crime in Washington, despite statistics indicating a decline in violent crime rates following a spike earlier in 2023. The president claimed that gangs and violent criminals had seized control of the city, although local authorities pointed out that crime had fallen to its lowest levels in decades in the previous year.

This recent deployment is the second instance this summer where the Republican president has dispatched troops to a city governed by Democrats. A federal trial is underway concerning whether Trump acted unlawfully when he sent National Guard troops to Los Angeles in June without the approval of California's governor. He suggested that other major cities with Democratic leadership, like Chicago, might also face similar federal actions if deemed necessary.

The initiative has faced resistance from Washington's Democratic mayor, Muriel Bowser, who disputes Trump's portrayal of rampant violence in the city, citing a 35% reduction in violent crime in 2024 compared to the prior year. Bowser has expressed a willingness to collaborate with the federal government, yet rejected Trump's claims of widespread crime.

Trump's approach leverages a section of the Home Rule Act that permits the president to take control of police forces during declared emergencies. However, critics, including the city's attorney-general, have labeled the president's actions as unlawful, with discussions of potential legal options ongoing. The situation is compounded by significant budget cuts to security funding for the National Capital Region, raising questions about the federal government's commitment to the city’s safety.

Furthermore, Trump indicated intentions to clear homeless encampments from federal property, though he offered no specifics on the logistics of relocating those people. While federal authorities have jurisdiction over areas of Washington, advocates caution that the government cannot involuntarily displace individuals lacking shelter. The president’s expansive authority over the D.C. National Guard further complicates matters, as it diverges from the usual state governance of such military resources.