Residents of Washington, D.C., are divided over President Trump’s plan to federalize the city’s security by deploying the National Guard and taking control of the Metropolitan Police Department, following a violent attack on a former Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) staffer. While some residents support the move, citing concerns about rising crime, others criticize Trump for overstepping federal authority and disrupting local governance.
Trump announced on Monday that he is activating the District of Columbia National Guard and seizing control of the Metropolitan Police Department after floating the idea since last week’s assault in Washington’s Logan Circle. The plan has sparked mixed reactions, with some residents calling it a ‘terrible idea’ that ‘doesn’t make a lot of sense.’ Others, however, argue that the city is ‘getting dangerous’ and that Trump’s intervention is necessary for safety.
Historically, Trump has been controversial for federalizing state National Guard units, as seen in California during anti-ICE protests in June 2020. In that instance, he bypassed Governor Gavin Newsom’s authority to deploy National Guard troops to support ICE deportation efforts, marking the first time a president federalized the National Guard without the governor’s request in over six decades.
Residents expressed concern about the potential impact of having ‘troops on our streets,’ with one stating, ‘We have laws for a reason.’ Another resident added, ‘Privatizing security is a terrible idea, and I think anything that Trump does is garbage.’ Despite these apprehensions, many residents acknowledge the need for improved safety in the city, especially with the recent surge in crime reports.
While the Department of Justice reported a 30-year low in violent crime last year, some residents argue that the city is ‘getting dangerous’ and that the current situation is ‘out of control.’ One resident said, ‘I think it’s a good idea’ to involve the National Guard, as ‘right now, we’re not safe.’ Another resident expressed fear about street crimes, stating she ‘has to make sure to come home before sundown’ and that she is ‘afraid of getting robbed’ when she gets off public transportation.
Some residents also argue that Washington, D.C., should be a state, so the district has more power to make decisions for itself. One resident said, ‘There’s no way he should be in control of anything,’ while another added, ‘It needs to be localized,’ emphasizing the need for local governance to address safety concerns.
As the debate continues, residents are caught in a dilemma between trusting federal intervention for security or relying on local authorities to manage public safety in the nation’s capital.