Federal Agents and National Guard in DC Amid Crime Surge
President Trump’s decision to increase federal presence in Washington, DC has led to a noticeable rise in federal agents and National Guard troops patrolling the city, aimed at reducing crime.
Indu Bhatia, who owns a liquor store not far from the White House, remarked, “All employees, including me, feel much safer. Even our customers are really happy when they come into our store.” Bhatia has experienced multiple thefts at her shop in the past.
She expressed that it’s not just the federal agents on the streets. Trump has also taken control of the local police department, which she believes has improved local policing. “I think local police are certainly doing a better job,” she added.
Historically, Washington has faced significant crime issues, often ranking as one of the most violent large cities in the U.S. Its murder rate is alarmingly high compared to cities like New York. While some crime has returned to pre-pandemic levels, others, like carjacking, have skyrocketed. Carjackings increased by 241% from 2019 to 2024, and vehicle theft has risen by 143%.
While the homicide rate has seen some decline since its pandemic peak, it still remains 12% above the figures from 2019. Supporters of Trump’s federal takeover are hopeful that these measures will help clean up the city.
Mike, a 22-year-old student at Johns Hopkins, noted during a walk around the Federal Triangle area that the federal action signifies a new approach to handling crime. He described the National Guard troops he encountered as “pretty nice people.”
A guard stationed near the Navy Memorial shared that they’ve received supportive gestures from locals, such as fist bumps. “We’re happy that many people appreciate what you’re doing,” he said.
Mahesh, a civil servant commuting from Maryland, noticed that police response times have improved. “Recently, I saw someone leaving their bags outside the White House, and the officer quickly addressed the situation. I feel very safe,” he explained, adding that he believes Trump is looking out for the city.
However, not all observations are optimistic. One DC Court employee mentioned that he’s seen an increase in quality-of-life crime cases entering the legal system. “There’s a noticeable uptick in crimes appearing in court, likely due to stricter measures being enforced,” he noted.
After a rare 12-day period without murder, DC has experienced an overall drop in crime rates, according to police statistics, with total crime decreasing by 11% recently.
On the other hand, mixed feelings about the military presence were expressed by some residents. Alex, a 49-year-old local, sees it as a deterrent, saying, “People might think twice when they see the National Guard.” However, some locals are skeptical.
Christian Myers, a long-time resident, criticized the deployment, suggesting it could lead to dangerous situations. “It feels excessive. It’s setting up for tragedy,” he warned.
Others, like Courtney, view the military presence as merely a publicity stunt for the Trump administration rather than a genuine response to crime. “If I were worrying about crime, I’d focus on areas that need more attention,” she stated, emphasizing her belief that local police would be more beneficial for neighborhoods than the National Guard.
