President Donald Trump is considering the deployment of up to 1,000 National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., as he prepares for a press conference addressing rising crime and the city’s condition. The move comes amid heightened federal law enforcement presence and Trump’s criticism of Mayor Muriel Bowser over her handling of the capital’s security. Trump has also warned of potential federal control over the city, citing concerns about violent crime, homelessness, and the perceived failure of local authorities.
According to a White House official, the National Guard troops would likely be drawn from the DC National Guard, though the final decision remains pending. The official confirmed this to Fox News ahead of Monday’s press conference. Trump, who has long criticized the federal government for failing to secure D.C., has reignited his calls for a federal takeover, citing recent spikes in violence and disorder. His rhetoric has intensified after a series of high-profile incidents, including a brutal attack on a former Department of Government Efficiency employee, Edward “Big Balls” Coristine, by teenagers.
During a social media post, Trump vowed to make D.C. ‘safe’ and ‘beautiful’ again, promising to address what he calls a ‘crisis’ of crime, homelessness, and filth. The president described D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, a Democratic politician, as a ‘good person who has tried,’ but criticized her for failing to curb crime. He claimed that the city is becoming ‘dirtier’ and ‘less attractive,’ leading the public to demand action. Trump has previously used similar language to justify his ‘border wall’ and efforts to deport undocumented immigrants, framing such measures as necessary to protect American citizens from perceived threats.
Bowser, however, has dismissed Trump’s claims, stating that D.C. is not experiencing a surge in crime. During an interview with MSNBC, she emphasized that the city’s security measures were sufficient and that the president’s warnings were exaggerated. She also noted that it is the president’s prerogative to use federal law enforcement, including the National Guard. Her comments highlight the growing tension between the Trump administration and local officials, who have often clashed over the federal government’s role in urban policy implementation.
Recent events have further fueled Trump’s rhetoric. On Sunday, police in the Navy Yard neighborhood instituted a juvenile curfew after a stolen gun was discharged during a gathering of young people. The incident coincided with an increased federal law enforcement presence in the city, which Trump has used to justify his calls for a federal takeover. He has also threatened to remove the homeless populations from D.C., posting photos of encampments and trash on city streets. His tweet warned that ‘there will be no ‘MR. NICE GUY,’’ signaling a shift toward more direct and forceful measures against perceived criminal elements.
Lawmakers and critics have expressed concerns over the potential implications of Trump’s plans, particularly the legal and constitutional issues surrounding federal control of a city with its own government. The National Guard would be stationed under the authority of the U.S. military, which could raise questions about the separation of powers and the rights of D.C. residents. While Trump framed his proposals as necessary to restore order and safety, opponents argue that such measures could further strain local governance and lead to increased tensions between federal and municipal authorities.
Despite the controversy, Trump’s decision to deploy National Guard troops reflects his broader strategy of using federal resources to address domestic issues, particularly in areas where local government has been perceived as ineffective. His emphasis on ‘making America great again’ has been central to his campaign, and the D.C. situation serves as a microcosm of his approach to governance. As the president prepares to address the nation on Monday, the debate over federal versus local control will likely continue to dominate discussions on the impact of his policies on urban development and public safety.