Trump Declares ‘Crime Emergency’ in D.C., Moves to Federalize Local Police and Deploy National Guard

Washington, D.C. — In a dramatic escalation of federal involvement in local law enforcement, President Donald Trump on Monday declared a “crime emergency” in the nation’s capital, citing what he described as a breakdown in law and order. The announcement came alongside a promise to deploy National Guard troops to patrol Washington, D.C., and a move to place the city’s police force under temporary federal control.

Speaking at a press conference at the White House, Trump appeared flanked by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Attorney General Pam Bondi. He denounced what he called “radical left” policies adopted by local governments across the country, placing particular blame on the elimination of cash bail in cities like Washington and Chicago.

“This public safety crisis is the direct result of failed leadership at the local level,” Trump said. “Wherever you see no cash bail, you see chaos. It’s time to end that.”

Although cash bail was largely phased out in Washington, D.C., as early as 1992, Trump vowed to push Congress to pass new legislation targeting cities with similar bail reforms, including Chicago. He claimed that a lack of financial accountability for suspects fuels repeat offenses and undermines public safety.

“We’re going to change the law,” he added. “We’ll count on Republicans in Congress to stand up and vote for real change, because the Democrats have shown time and again that they’re weak on crime.”

National Guard Deployment and Federal Police Takeover

Alongside his remarks, Trump confirmed that an undisclosed number of National Guard troops would be mobilized to assist in restoring order throughout D.C. He claimed the measure was necessary due to an ongoing surge in violence and criminal activity.

“Something is out of control, and we’re going to put it back in control quickly—just like we did at the border,” Trump declared. “The National Guard will be allowed to do their job without interference.”

As part of the emergency response, Trump invoked Section 740 of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, which grants the president the authority to assume control of the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department during a declared emergency. The 1973 law allows such federal oversight for up to 48 hours, with the potential to extend control further with notification to congressional leadership.

This is the first time in U.S. history that a president has used this specific provision to take command of the D.C. police force.

In addition, Trump announced that Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Administrator Terry Cole would be named interim federal commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Department. Trump praised Cole as “one of the top law enforcement professionals in the country,” instructing him to manage the department “tough and by the book.”

Homelessness and Crime at the Center of Debate

Trump’s move to declare a public safety emergency follows recent posts on his Truth Social platform in which he pledged to remove unhoused individuals from D.C.’s downtown areas. In his post, the president said:

“The homeless have to move out, IMMEDIATELY. We’ll give them places to stay—but far from the Capital. The criminals, you don’t have to move out—we’re going to put you in jail where you belong.”

During last week’s briefing, Trump reiterated his goal of “cleaning up” the capital and making it a symbol of national pride and safety.

“We’re going to have a safe, great capital again,” he said. “People should be able to walk the streets without fear.”

The White House confirmed that Trump’s directives will increase the visible presence of law enforcement in the capital for at least a week. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the deployment was in line with the administration’s “zero tolerance” approach to violent crime.

White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller echoed Trump’s concerns in a weekend interview, stating that “Washington, D.C., is more violent than Baghdad.” The comparison sparked backlash from local leaders and critics.

Pushback From Local Officials

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser responded strongly to the federal intervention, calling the president’s characterization of the city misleading and harmful.

“To compare our nation’s capital to a war zone is both false and irresponsible,” Bowser said in an interview with MSNBC. “This kind of rhetoric doesn’t help us solve the real challenges our city faces.”

While the president has the authority to invoke emergency powers over D.C. law enforcement under the Home Rule Act, any extension of that control beyond 30 days would require formal approval by Congress. It remains unclear whether Trump has notified the appropriate congressional committees or whether a longer federal takeover is being considered.

As the situation develops, Trump’s aggressive stance on crime in D.C. is likely to become another flashpoint in the broader debate over policing, public safety, and federal versus local authority—issues that could define key aspects of his administration’s law enforcement agenda heading into the next legislative session.