Trump Plans Patrol With Police, National Guard In Washington DC

President Donald Trump announced he will personally patrol the streets of Washington, D.C., alongside police and National Guard troops as part of his administration's intensified law enforcement presence in the city. This move follows his unprecedented federal takeover of the Washington police force and deployment of thousands of National Guard soldiers and federal agents, actions justified by Trump due to what he describes as rampant crime and gang activity, despite local officials and crime data showing a significant decline in violent crime. Trump made the announcement during interviews with radio host Todd Starnes and a Newsmax reporter, emphasizing the success of National Guard efforts and claiming increased safety has encouraged residents to resume normal activities like dining out. The patrol comes amid heightened tensions, with local protests against the federal crackdown and immigration raids accompanying the increased law enforcement presence. Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have also publicly supported the initiative by visiting National Guard troops stationed at key locations. While details of Trump's patrol remain unclear, the president's hands-on approach marks a notable departure from previous presidents' engagements with the city, highlighting his administration's aggressive stance on crime in the capital.