President Donald Trump is stepping up his conflict with Washington, D.C.’s local government by taking control of the Metropolitan Police Department and sending in the National Guard.
During a press conference on Monday, Aug. 11, Trump announced his new plan to fight crime and address homelessness in the nation’s capital. As part of the plan, Attorney General Pam Bondi’s Justice Department will take over leadership of the D.C. police.
“Today we’re formally declaring a public safety emergency,” Trump said. “It’s embarrassing for me to stand here and talk about how unsafe, dirty, and disgusting this once-beautiful capital has become.”
Trump has often pointed to homelessness and crime as reasons for his push to “clean up” the city. However, local crime data shows violent crime has actually dropped 26% in 2025 compared to 2024. Crime overall has been falling for more than a year. Despite this, Trump claimed—without offering evidence—that the official numbers are misleading and hide the true extent of crime in D.C.
This move comes as Trump continues to express interest in taking more federal control over Washington, D.C., a step that would reduce the city’s ability to govern itself.
Under the D.C. Home Rule Act of 1973, residents can elect their own mayor and city council. Before that law, the city was run by a commission appointed by the president. Even with home rule, Congress still has major influence over D.C.’s laws and budget.
