Donald Trump has sent the National Guard to Washington, D.C., as part of a crackdown on crime. In the first hours, 23 people were arrested, and 850 extra police officers were deployed across the city.
Troops began arriving Tuesday morning after Trump announced the move, saying he wanted to “take back the capital.” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the arrests included charges like homicide, illegal firearms, and drug possession.
Leavitt also said that homeless people would be offered shelters, mental health help, or addiction services. If they refuse, they could face fines or jail.
Some small protests appeared in the city, with people holding signs saying, “Refuse Fascism” and “No ICE! No National Guard!” Despite that, the White House called the operation a success and said the National Guard will stay for at least 30 days.
Trump also put the DC police under federal control. He called it “Liberation Day” and said the city had been overrun by gangs, violent criminals, and homeless people. He plans to have Attorney General Pam Bondi oversee the National Guard’s work with the police.
During a press conference, Trump compared DC’s crime rates to other cities around the world, saying DC’s rates were higher. ABC News reporter Kyra Phillips shared her experience being mugged in DC, calling it a frightening incident.
However, police data shows violent crime in DC has dropped 26% from last year, and overall crime in the metro area is down 7%.
Trump also warned he could send the military to other cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago if needed. His administration is under scrutiny for a similar National Guard and Marine deployment in California earlier this year. A federal judge is reviewing whether the president violated the law by sending 4,000 troops without state approval.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegeseth said all steps would be taken to protect DC residents. “Be tough. Be strong. We’re right behind you,” he said to the National Guard.
This is not the first time the National Guard has been in DC. Over 25,000 troops were deployed for President Biden’s inauguration in 2021, after the January 6 Capitol riots. About 2,000 stayed until May to maintain order.
