U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Monday, August 11, that 800 National Guard troops are being deployed to Washington, D.C., as part of an effort to temporarily take control of the city’s police department.
The decision—made without consulting the mayor or elected local leaders—is one of the most unusual assertions of presidential power in modern U.S. history.
Speaking at the White House, Trump claimed the capital had “fallen into the hands of violent gangs and bloodthirsty criminals,” describing the move as necessary to combat a surge in lawlessness.
Official data, however, shows that after a sharp spike in 2023, violent crime fell by 35 percent the following year, and dropped another 26 percent in the first seven months of this year.
This is the second time this summer Trump has deployed forces to a Democrat-led city. He also warned that other cities, such as Chicago, could be next.
Oversight of the Guard units will fall to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi. The U.S. military said the troops will provide logistical and administrative support, as well as a visible presence in aid of law enforcement.
Muriel Bowser, Washington’s Democratic mayor, rejected Trump’s claims of a security crisis, noting that violent crime last year had fallen to its lowest level in three decades. While she criticized his remarks, Bowser said the city government would cooperate with federal authorities.
In contrast, Washington’s Attorney General Brian Schwalb called the move “illegal” and said his office was exploring legal options to challenge it.
Invoking a provision of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act—which allows the president to take control of the police force for up to 30 days during emergencies—Trump declared a “public safety emergency” in the capital. He also pledged to dismantle homeless encampments, though without presenting a specific transition plan.
