Federal Authority Invoked
President Donald Trump announced Monday that his administration is taking control of the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Police Department and deploying National Guard troops. He invoked Section 740 of the District’s Home Rule Act, which allows the president to temporarily assume control of the capital’s police if “special conditions of an emergency nature exist.” The statute limits this authority to 30 days unless Congress approves an extension. Trump appointed U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to take command immediately.
Crime Rates and Conflicting Narratives
Trump justified the move by claiming crime in D.C. is “out of control,” calling the day “Liberation Day in D.C.” However, data from the U.S. Department of Justice shows violent crime in the city fell to a 30-year low earlier this year and is down another 26% in 2025. Metropolitan Police Department statistics show declines in homicide, sexual abuse, assault with a dangerous weapon, robbery, and overall violent crime. The White House disputes these figures, citing police union claims that the data has been manipulated.
Local Pushback
D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalbe labeled the action “unprecedented, unnecessary, and unlawful,” pledging to challenge it in court. Mayor Muriel Bowser has also rejected Trump’s portrayal of the city, describing it as a place where people are starting businesses, raising families, and building communities.
National Guard Deployment and Additional Measures
Trump said the National Guard will “help re-establish law and order” and warned that active-duty military could be deployed if necessary. He also announced plans to remove homeless individuals from central D.C., offering alternative housing “far from the Capital.” The decision comes after the reported assault of Edward Coristine, a staffer in the Department of Government Efficiency, earlier this month.
Criticism of Federal Reserve Project
During the same press event, Trump criticized the ongoing $3.1 billion renovation of the Federal Reserve headquarters, claiming it could have been done for $50–$100 million. The remarks continue his criticism of Fed Chair Jerome Powell.
Parallels to Past Federal Actions
This move follows Trump’s June deployment of the National Guard to Los Angeles during unrest over federal immigration enforcement. That action is now the subject of a lawsuit filed by California Governor Gavin Newsom, with trial proceedings beginning Monday.