Trump to Put D.C. Police Under Federal Oversight and Deploy National Guard

Trump’s Major Announcement on DC Crime Reduction Efforts

On Monday, President Donald Trump outlined significant measures he plans to implement in response to the ongoing crime issues in Washington, DC. He referenced “Section 740 of the District of Columbia Home Rules Act,” which involves placing the DC Metropolitan Police under federal oversight and enhancing support from the National Guard.

At a much-anticipated press conference, Trump declared a “liberation day” for the nation’s capital, emphasizing the urgency of addressing crime in the area.

“This marks a day of change for DC, and we’re committed to reclaiming our capital,” he announced, utilizing the authorities at his disposal as President.

He praised the capabilities of law enforcement, stating, “They’re good people and they’re tough—they know what’s going on and they’ve handled challenging situations before.” He highlighted the deployment of the National Guard to restore order in Washington, D.C.

During the briefing, which was attended by a packed room of reporters, Trump insisted that dealing with crime isn’t a partisan issue.

“I know many of you lean liberal, but… nobody wants to be in a position where they’re robbed or feel unsafe,” he remarked.

He expressed concerns about the current state of safety, stating, “You shouldn’t be afraid to leave your apartment or to go out to buy something as simple as a newspaper. That safety isn’t there right now.”

Trump shared alarming statistics, noting that car thefts have doubled in the past five years, with carjackings tripling during the same period. He indicated that the murder rate in 2023 has reached unprecedented levels.

“Our capital has been overwhelmed by violent gangs and dangerous criminals,” he asserted. “We will not tolerate this, just as we’ve addressed similar issues at the southern border.”