President Trump’s choice to take control of law enforcement in Washington, D.C. by deploying the National Guard and federal agents is frankly a questionable use of federal resources, to say the least. It feels more like a gimmick. From a policy perspective, it likely won’t hold up under any cost-benefit analysis.
Yet, this action could be a model for Democrats, especially those eyeing the 2028 elections.
Trump understands that voters take crime seriously. Research indicates that crime ranks higher than nearly any other issue for many voters—only trailing behind the economy, healthcare, and national security. In fact, it’s seen as more critical than immigration, housing, social security, abortion, climate change, and a host of other topics.
Moreover, many voters express greater trust in Republicans to handle crime than in Democrats, which is somewhat telling.
Washington, D.C. is not only a bustling city but also the nation’s capital and its main tourist destination. In 2024, over 27 million tourists visited the city, which underscores its significance. An attack on a Doge staffer recently sparked more discussions around Trump’s intervention and mirrored sentiments emerging from other regions.
It’s noteworthy that the murder rate in D.C. is among the highest in the U.S., surpassing that of Chicago, another city notorious for its crime rates. While recent statistics show a decline in murders, they remain approximately 70% higher than they were a decade ago.
Even if crime is decreasing in D.C., it doesn’t mean we should ignore the persistent threat or think that other areas can afford to overlook issues in the capital.
If Trump achieves a reduction in crime or even appears committed to addressing it, that impact may resonate nationwide. Herein lies Trump’s knack for politics; he identifies pressing problems and pushes for solutions that make headlines.
Whether they are elected officials or keyboard warriors, the backlash from liberals could actually play to his advantage, portraying him as proactive while painting Democrats in a negative light.
Additionally, Trump’s plans may garner success. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser mentioned that increased law enforcement presence could have a positive effect on community safety.
Research suggests that many U.S. cities are actually under-policed, and deploying the National Guard in high-traffic or high-crime areas might deter potential criminals and support local law enforcement. Existing literature indicates that more visible patrols generally correlate with lower crime rates, especially violent crimes.
As articulated in Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson’s book “Abundance,” it’s a timely discussion for Democrats. They assert the need for government to fulfill its responsibilities, suggesting that voters are likely to reward those who effectively address real-world issues.
Crime is a direct concern that voters feel acutely, and Democrats often bear the brunt of that responsibility.
Deploying more police officers or security personnel in urban environments is almost a guarantee for reducing crime. This isn’t a long-term fix, but it transcends mere political theatrics; rather, it serves as an exemplary case of political strategy.
Trump’s initiative to streamline the D.C. police and utilize the National Guard could serve as a framework for Democratic governors looking to make impactful changes.
Governors have the power to deploy state security forces to assist law enforcement during emergencies, and they define what constitutes an ’emergency’. For instance, in Texas, Governor Greg Abbott invoked the state of emergency at the southern border in “Operation Lone Star.”
Does Baltimore’s murder rate of 34.8 per 100,000 residents (the fourth highest in the nation, even exceeding D.C.) warrant such an emergency? Or the 31.2 per 100,000 in Detroit?
Democratic governors like Wes Moore of Maryland and Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan—both potential 2028 candidates—have the authority to act on these issues without significant political fallout, even if their attempts seem clumsy.
This moment isn’t trivial, and Democrats, especially those aspiring for leadership, ought to utilize available tools to learn from Trump and effectively address the pressing challenges voters face.
