Trump Takes Federal Control of D.C. Police, Deploys National Guard

President Donald Trump has announced he is taking federal control of the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Police Department under Section 740 of the Home Rule Act in response to a perceived surge in youth crime and public safety concerns. He declared a public safety emergency and will deploy 800 National Guard troops to the city, with Attorney General Pam Bondi overseeing the police department and city beautification efforts. Trump emphasized his commitment to restoring law and order, threatening similar federal takeovers of other Democratic-led cities like Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles if local authorities fail to control crime. Critics argue the move is politically motivated and sets a dangerous precedent for federal overreach, especially in communities of color. Despite claims of rising crime, federal data shows violent crime in D.C. is at a 30-year low, highlighting the contentious nature of the president's actions. The deployment aims to remove homeless encampments from city parks as part of the administration's broader effort to address public safety and urban cleanliness.